Test Stand Design Engineer

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 87,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

University of Arizona is seeking a Test Stand Design Engineer to plan, layout, and design a research test stand for advanced fusion energy initiatives. You will translate research objectives into detailed technical designs and collaborate with faculty, researchers, and industry partners to progress from concepts to engineering documentation.

The role requires strong communication, problem-solving, and proficiency with engineering software, with duties spanning from drafting to audit-ready

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Leads and develops the comprehensive technical layout, planning, and engineering design of the test stand system, including engineering drawings, calculations, specifications, and documentation.
• Collaborates with faculty, project leadership, and external partners to translate research objectives into practical engineering solutions.
• Coordinates with cross-functional design and manufacturing teams regarding design specifications, fabrication considerations, and implementation planning.
• Prepares and maintains high-quality technical reports, calculations, and project documentation to ensure audit readiness and compliance.

Skills

Engineering design principles

Engineering drawings

Analytical and problem solving

Communication skills

Engineering software

Independent and collaborative work

Written and verbal communication

Multidisciplinary research environment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

5 years of relevant work experience

Tools

CAD software

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Test Stand Design Engineer will support the technical planning, layout development, and engineering design of a research test stand for advanced fusion energy engineering initiatives. This position will collaborate closely with faculty, researchers, and external industry partners to assess project requirements and translate conceptual objectives into detailed technical designs, calculations, and engineering documentation. The role also involves coordinating with companies engaged in fabrication, procurement, and implementation activities. The Test Stand Design Engineer will contribute to continuous project assessment and evaluation and provide technical expertise throughout the development life-cycle. This position supports advanced research infrastructure and test stand development activities associated with advanced fusion energy engineering initiatives at the University of Arizona. The position requires collaboration across academic, research, and industry partners to support technical implementation and operational success.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Duties & Responsibilities

• Leads and develops the comprehensive technical layout, planning, and engineering design of the test stand system, including development of engineering drawings, calculations, specifications, and supporting complex technical documentation.
• Collaborates closely with faculty and project leadership to assess technical requirements, define system needs, and translate research objectives into practical engineering solutions and technical language.
• Collaborates with cross-functional design and manufacturing teams (internal and external) regarding design specifications, fabrication considerations, and implementation planning for the test stand project.
• Prepares and maintains high-quality technical reports, design records, engineering calculations, and project documentation to ensure audit readiness and compliance with institutional quality management systems while providing regular progress updates to project leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of engineering design principles and technical project planning.
• Ability to develop engineering drawings, calculations, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, researchers, industry partners, and vendors.
• Proficiency with engineering software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts into engineering documentation.
• Knowledge of research, laboratory, or test stand environments.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering discipline or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with technical design, engineering analysis, and preparation of engineering drawings and calculations.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary technical teams and external vendors.
• Experience coordinating technical projects and managing competing priorities.
• Experience using engineering design and analysis software preferred.

FLSA Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

Job FTE 1.0

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category Research

Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay $86,870 - $112,932

Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade 11

Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator .

Career Stream and Level PC3

Job Family Research Engineering

Job Function Research

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies 1

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates Yvette Corral | [e-mail]

Open Date 8/3/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].