Prototype Engineer

Would you like to work for the world leader in characterizing porous materials? We develop and manufacture instruments for various applications, including batteries, catalysis, carbons, MOFs, pharmaceuticals, building materials, and ceramics. Are you interested to find out how our instruments can help today’s research to discover tomorrow’s innovations? Do you like to travel, to visit universities and Fortune 500 companies all around the world?

Perhaps you are more interested in installing, calibrating, and building instruments? Join our team!

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.

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. Solid Works, Creo) and familiarity with simulation tools
• Familiarity with programming languages for automation (e.g. Python, Lab View, MATLAB)
• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
• Knowledge of requirements management software tools

Supervision Exercised

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