Prototype Engineer

Job Description

Job Summary

The Prototype Engineer plays a key role in the Research & Development team, supporting the rapid development and iteration of next-generation scientific instruments for surface and pore characterization. This position involves:

• Designing, fabricating, and testing prototypes, ensuring manufacturability and system integration.
•  Providing technical leadership in experimental development.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Prototype Engineer plays a pivotal role in developing and refining innovative scientific instruments. This position requires a balance of hands-on technical expertise and strategic planning to ensure system functionality, manufacturability, and performance. Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with R&D engineers, designers, and scientists to develop functional prototypes for new products and key subsystems.
• Engage in hands-on fabrication using CNC machining, 3D printing, and other rapid prototyping techniques, ensuring precision and quality in prototype development.
• Design and test multi-disciplinary systems, ensuring seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and software components.
• Identify and recommend improvements to designs based on test results and manufacturability considerations.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of design processes, experimental findings, and system components, ensuring updates reflect design changes and effectively communicate recommendations to stakeholders.
• Develop and prototype high-level design and system specifications, ensuring system integration, feasibility, and alignment with research findings.
• Work closely with project managers, hardware, and software teams to oversee development progress, ensuring alignment with initial designs, technical improvements, and long-term system roadmaps.
• Protect and maintain intellectual property on behalf of the organization.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend hardware and software solutions for system optimization and innovation.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• BS in Engineering, Physical Sciences or Mathematics or equivalent years' experience in Engineering.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in product development
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in engineering or physics
• Hands-on experience with machining, 3D printing, and other fabrication techniques
• Strong understanding and experience in mechanical and electrical systems, including CAD design and PCB prototyping
• Ability to analyze test data and use feedback to iterate designs quickly
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a diverse team

Preferred skills include:

• Experience in scientific instrumentation industry or high-tech manufacturing for product or instrument development
• Experience in requirements management and test plan development
• Experience in project management
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, Creo) and familiarity with simulation tools
• Familiarity with programming languages for automation (e.g. Python, LabView, MATLAB)
• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
• Knowledge of requirements management software tools

Additional Information

Supervision Exercised

This role is an independent contributor who is a member of multiple teams, and does not have any direct supervision of staff.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, observe, communicate and handle items such as computers, machinery and other equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Position requires the ability to obtain a Passport for international travel.

In regards to organizational issues, the employee will comply with the regulations set forward in the Anton Paar Employee Handbook, except if otherwise stated.

Anton Paar QuantaTec Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at Anton Paar QuantaTec Inc. are based upon one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to: age, race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, sickle cell trait, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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