Prototyping Manager, AIDC Core

Position Focus

The Prototyping Manager engages with the Yale research community to support early‑stage development of advanced scientific instruments within the Advanced Instrumentation Development Center (AIDC). The AIDC is a Research Core providing advanced instrumentation, technical expertise, and facilities in machining, electronics, and prototyping to enable cutting‑edge scientific research.

The Prototyping Manager will work closely with students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty to help define requirements, explore design approaches, and rapidly iterate from concept to proof‑of‑principle hardware. The manager will lead a small team, contribute significant hands‑on technical effort, guide system‑level design, integrate subsystems, select fabrication approaches, and coordinate with the Machine Shop and Electronics Shop to realize complete prototype assemblies.

In addition to technical contributions, the manager will help establish the prototyping space, procure tools and equipment, develop workflows and best practices, and ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations.

• Proven ability to work with students and researchers to translate conceptual ideas into functional prototypes. Demonstrated skill in clarifying goals, defining requirements, and identifying feasible technical paths from early‑stage concepts to working hardware.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a small technical team in a highly iterative, project‑driven environment. Proven capability to balance multiple prototype efforts, manage priorities, and coordinate resources across machining, electronics, and assembly workflows.
• Broad, system‑level technical knowledge spanning mechanical, electrical, and experimental hardware. Demonstrated ability to integrate subsystems, evaluate tradeoffs, and make pragmatic design decisions appropriate for research prototypes and proof‑of‑concept instruments.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, maintain, and enforce a safe, efficient, and well‑organized prototyping environment. Ability to define workflows, maintain tools and equipment, and ensure safe use of fabrication and assembly resources.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to guide researchers through open‑ended design processes, document prototype designs and lessons learned, and communicate effectively across disciplinary boundaries. Teaching and outreach are an important part of this position.

• Doctorate in a field where electro‑mechanical‑optical prototypes are essential. Five or more years of professional experience in electronics design, prototyping, or research instrumentation development.
• Expertise developing prototypes for scientific instrumentation or advanced research systems.

• Demonstrated success moving concepts from sketches or preliminary models to functional hardware.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary environments involving mechanical design, electronics, and experimental systems.
• Familiarity with rapid prototyping tools, fabrication techniques, and laboratory instrumentation.
• Prior experience mentoring junior engineers or technicians and experience leading workshops, teaching or other outreach activities.

• User Training:
  Refine training methodologies and train and mentor users of the research core, providing guidance and expertise.
• Experiment Support:
  Collaborate closely with researchers and lead complex projects requiring customized solutions within the research core.
• Facility/Instrument Support:
  Lead and manage research projects within the research core.
• Technique Development:
  Contribute to the development of research strategies within the research core and evaluate and implement cutting‑edge technologies and methodologies.
• Data Analysis/Interpretation:
  Analyze and interpret complex scientific data, providing critical insights and recommendations.
• Equipment Procurement:
  Assist in the evaluation, acquisition, and maintenance of research core equipment.
• Professional Development:
  Stay updated with emerging research trends and technologies. Participate and present…