Sr. Instrument Designer

We are seeking a Sr. Instrument Designer who will be responsible for developing custom components for members of the Department of Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University, operating out of a well-equipped machine shop at the School of Medicine. The Senior Instrument Designer will design, build, modify and repair components for department faculty, staff and students, and members of its affiliated centers and institutes, assisting individuals with their specific research needs. The Senior Instrument Designer will coordinate activities within the Neuroscience Machine Shop, including supply ordering, and will ensure the shop functions as efficient service center of the university. The individual will be expected to perform assignments independently to achieve expected results, in close consultation with faculty or research staff members. Work will be co-supervised by the Neuroscience Machine Shop Oversight Committee (technical) and the Neuroscience Administrator (administrative and financial).

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, construct, fabricate, modify, improve, and ensure workability of instruments and mechanisms.

• Consult with faculty, research scientists, staff, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, exchanging ideas and advising them on what needs to be accomplished to meet their design, modification and repair needs in the most efficient, effective, and safe way.

• Problem solve and provide solutions.

• Repair and test equipment for faculty, research scientists, postdoctoral fellows and students, in support of their projects, designs, and ideas of experimental machinery.

• Recommend and advise on project materials by explaining the differences in how the material will react and perform, the costs associated with each material, and the suitability of each material with regards to the success of the project.

• Coordinate with personnel at the university's 3D printing/rapid prototyping facilities to produce 3D-printing instruments, when such option presents an appropriate alternative to machining.

• Provide reasonably accurate estimates of time and materials required to meet the clients' design needs.

• Keep accurate records of time and materials spent on each job or project; prepare Service Requests, including time and materials, for the Machine Shop Administrator.

• Schedule and prioritize workload with input from the Oversight Committee to ensure customers' needs are met.

• Purchase materials and supplies from JHU preferred vendors, as appropriate, by procurement card and/or SAP eMarketplace.

• Provide documentation to Machine Shop Administrator to ensure timely reconciliation of P-card purchases.

• Ensure that routine maintenance on Machine Shop equipment is performed so that it functions properly, efficiently and productively.

• Periodically assess the state of the Machine Shop to ensure efficient utilization and adequate resources for future research and development, equipment, and space needs. Maintain organization, order and cleanliness of all shop areas.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in an engineering or scientific discipline and/or Toolmakers Apprenticeship (State Level) and evidence of practical experience, with advanced knowledge in instrumentation engineering.

• Proven comprehensive knowledge of state-of-the-art machining operations, preferably in a research and teaching environment.

• Thorough knowledge of personal computers, including word processing and spreadsheets.

• High level of sound, independent judgment and analytical ability to resolve technical and administrative problems.

• Inherent ability to problem solve and suggest solutions.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to assist and communicate effectively with a diverse population of faculty, staff, students, on-campus shops and labs, and external vendors.

• Candidate must possess initiative, problem-solving, and innovation skills, as well as professionalism, adaptability and organizational skills to keep pace in a constantly evolving pool of research ideas and projects.

• Ability to lift heavy equipment.

• Working knowledge of computer aided design (CAD) software highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• The preferred candidate will also have a high level of technical, managerially oriented, educational, development, and professional knowledge of theory and practice in all areas of machine shop operations and safety as it relates to Engineering.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of machining equipment and machining fundamentals, in particular manual mill & lathe for creating small instruments.

• AutoCAD familiarity.

• CNC milling/grinding experience.

• tool & die training and work experience.

• Use of metals and sheet metals to design, form and fabricate projects.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.

• Knowledge of occupational safety and health guidelines as they relate to shop use, and use of hazardous chemicals and materials.

• Knowledge of Material Data Safety Sheets (MOSS} use and interpretation required.

• Blueprint reading - professional experience and interpretation; inspection principles.

Classified Title: Sr. Instrument Designer

Job Posting Title (Working Title): Sr. Instrument Designer

Role/Level/Range: ACRO37.5/03/CH

Starting Salary Range: Min $29.50 - Max $52.00 HRLY ($68,348.48 targeted; Commensurate with experience)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00

Exempt Status: Non-Exempt

Location: School of Medicine - East Baltimore Campus

Department name: 10002905-SOM Neuro Sci Neuroscience

Personnel area: School of Medicine

Equal Opportunity Employer

Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. The university promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.