Foundry Engineer

Quantum Foundry Engineer

Mon Ark NSF Quantum Foundry (a consortium between Montana State University, University of Utah, University of Arkansas) is seeking to fill a position of Foundry Engineer to support its Arkansas site. The Foundry operates as a shared user facility supporting researchers across multiple institutions. This role requires balancing hands-on engineering work with user support, system reliability, and collaborative development. The Foundry Engineer will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to design, build, integrate, and maintain automated fabrication systems, focusing on developing software for existing systems supporting the ongoing integration of new automation capabilities.

This role combines hands-on engineering, system integration, and software control development to enable reliable, production-grade quantum device fabrication workflows. This role will play a critical part in finalizing and operationalizing robotic automation systems, enabling reproducible, high-throughput quantum device fabrication within a shared user facility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement software-based control frameworks for existing automated machinery and robotics systems
• Collaborate with Foundry staff, students, and other users to design, implement, and maintain research tools and automated fabrication systems
• Troubleshoot and optimize integrated hardware/software systems to meet production and quality goals
• Provide training and technical support to facility users and staff
• Continuously evaluate and improve systems to enhance reliability, safety, and throughput
• Ensure systems comply with safety standards and operational protocols in a research laboratory setting
• Support and guide students and researchers using foundry systems
• Occasional travel to partner institutions (e.g., Montana State University, University of Utah) may be required for collaboration and system integration.

This is a one year appointment, renewable based on the need for the position, availability of funding, and continued satisfactory level of performance in the role. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• At least four to seven years of experience in robotics, automation, or autonomous systems
• Strong programming skills in Python with experience in control systems, automation, or robotics software
• Experience with JavaScript/HTML for user interfaces and Git-based version control workflows
• Demonstrated experience integrating hardware and software in complex robotic or automation environments
• Hands-on experience with system debugging, troubleshooting, and deployment in lab or field settings
• Familiarity with robotic subsystems (e.g., mobility platforms, robotic arms, grippers, sensors, safety systems, embedded electronics)
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to evolving technical requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in research lab environments, user facilities, or shared instrumentation settings
• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., Solid Works, Fusion 360) and mechanical system design
• Background in semiconductor, cleanroom, or advanced manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated experience mentoring students and overseeing their work

Salary Information: $65,000

Required Documents to Apply:
Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:
Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact Information:
Hugh Churchill, Professor and Director of the Arkansas Materials Institute, hchurch

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.