Research Engineer

WorkplacePasadena - California - USA
Category
Position
Published
Research Engineer Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world’s brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions.

We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Research Engineer will be responsible for the development of a thermal laser epitaxy system, leading the design, integration, and optimization of advanced laser-based deposition equipment for materials growth and thin-film research.

The role involves developing and refining thermal and optical subsystems, conducting experimental validation, and translating research requirements into reliable instrumentation.

In addition to system development, the Research Engineer will oversee laboratory infrastructure, including equipment maintenance, safety compliance, and coordination of facility upgrades to support ongoing experimental work.

This position combines hands-on engineering, experimental research support, and operational management of laboratory resources.

Essential Job Duties

Design and Development of a Thermal Laser Epitaxy System: Lead the design, development, and optimization of a thermal laser epitaxy system for advanced materials growth, including integration of laser, thermal management, vacuum, motion control, and diagnostic subsystems.

System Integration and Testing: Assemble, integrate, and commission hardware and software components of the epitaxy platform; conduct performance testing, calibration, and troubleshooting to ensure reliable and repeatable operation.

Experimental Support and Process Development: Collaborate with research scientists to develop and refine epitaxial growth processes, design experiments, and analyze system performance to improve thin-film deposition quality and throughput.

Instrumentation and Controls Engineering: Develop and maintain system control architecture, including sensors, data acquisition systems, and automation software to support precise control of temperature, laser parameters, and deposition conditions.

Maintenance and Reliability Management: Establish preventive maintenance procedures, perform diagnostics and repairs on critical laboratory equipment, and coordinate service and upgrades to minimize downtime.

Laboratory Infrastructure Management: Oversee laboratory infrastructure, including vacuum systems, gas delivery systems, cooling systems, power distribution, and safety equipment to ensure proper functionality and compliance with institutional standards.

Safety and Compliance: Ensure adherence to laser safety, electrical safety, chemical handling, and laboratory operational protocols; maintain documentation and coordinate with the laboratory safety officer for training as required.

Procurement and Vendor Coordination: Identify equipment needs, evaluate technical specifications, manage procurement processes, and coordinate with vendors and service providers for installation, maintenance, and upgrades.

Documentation and Reporting: Prepare technical documentation including system designs, operating procedures, maintenance logs, and experimental reports to support reproducibility and knowledge transfer.

Collaboration and Project Coordination: Work closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers to support experimental campaigns, plan facility improvements, and ensure effective operation of laboratory resources.

Basic Qualifications

Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, or a closely related engineering or scientific field. Experience: Several years of hands-on experience in research engineering, scientific instrumentation development, or advanced laboratory environments. Engineering Knowledge: Strong understanding of thermal systems, optics/laser systems, vacuum technology, and precision instrumentation commonly used in materials growth or thin-film deposition.

System Integration: Experience integrating complex hardware systems, including sensors, motion control, vacuum components, and data acquisition systems.

Experimental Skills: Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments involving advanced materials processing or characterization.

Troubleshooting: Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills for complex electromechanical and optical systems. Technical Documentation: Ability to prepare clear technical documentation including system designs, standard operating procedures, and maintenance records.

Laboratory Operations: Experience supporting laboratory infrastructure, including equipment maintenance, calibration, and facility operations. Collaboration and Communication: Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary research teams and communicate technical information clearly. Safety Awareness: Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, particularly related to lasers, vacuum systems, electrical systems, and hazardous materials.

Preferred Qualifications

Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Experience: Direct experience with PVD growth techniques such as laser-based deposition, molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), pulsed laser deposition (PLD), electron-beam evaporation, or thermal laser epitaxy/evaporation (TLE).

Laser Systems Expertise: Experience designing, integrating, or operating high-power or pulsed laser systems used in research instrumentation. Vacuum and Thin-Film Systems: Advanced knowledge of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems, thin-film growth equipment, and associated diagnostics. Automation and Controls: Experience with laboratory automation, control systems, or programming environments (e.g., LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, or similar tools). Instrumentation Design: Experience designing custom experimental apparatus, including mechanical components, optical layouts, and thermal management solutions.

Facility or Laboratory Management: Experience managing shared laboratory facilities, coordinating equipment usage, and overseeing infrastructure improvements.

Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage technical projects, coordinate with vendors, and oversee equipment procurement and installation. Safety Certification or Leadership: Experience serving as a laboratory safety officer or managing compliance for laser or research laboratories. Publication or Research Record: Evidence of contributions to scientific research through technical reports, patents, or peer-reviewed publications related to materials processing or instrumentation.

Required Documents

CV
Apply online
In your application, please refer to myScience.org and reference JobID 3221044.


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