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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. 

This position focuses on translating conceptual ideas for novel scientific instruments into functional prototypes that support cutting‑edge 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 Prototyping Manager will lead a small team and contribute significant hands‑on technical effort, particularly in the early stages of the Core’s prototyping program. Responsibilities include guiding system‑level design, integrating mechanical and electronic subsystems, selecting fabrication approaches, and coordinating with the Machine Shop and Electronics Shop to realize complete prototype assemblies.

In addition to direct technical contributions, the Prototyping Manager will help establish the prototyping space, procure tools and equipment, develop workflows and best practices, and ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations. This role requires broad technical expertise, strong design intuition, and the ability to mentor researchers through the creative and iterative nature of prototype development.

Dept/Section URL

Advanced Instrumentation Development Center (AIDC) | Yale Research

Required Skill and Ability

1.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.

2.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.

3.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.

4.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.

5.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.

Preferred Education

1.Doctorate in field where electro-mechanical-optical prototypes are essential. Five or more years of professional experience in electronics design, prototyping, or research instrumentation development.  

2.Expertise developing prototypes for scientific instrumentation or advanced research systems.

Preferred Experience and Skills

1.Demonstrated success moving concepts from sketches or preliminary models to functional hardware.

2.Experience working in multidisciplinary environments involving mechanical design, electronics, and experimental systems.

3.Familiarity with rapid prototyping tools, fabrication techniques, and laboratory instrumentation.

4.Prior experience mentoring junior engineers or technicians and experience leading workshops, teaching or other outreach activities.

Principal Responsibilities

1. User Training: Refine training methodologies and train and mentor users of the research core, providing guidance and expertise. 2. Experiment Support: Collaborate closely with researchers and lead complex projects requiring customized solutions within the research core. 3. Facility/Instrument Support: Lead and manage research projects within the research core. 4. Technique Development: Contribute to the development of research strategies within the research core and evaluate and implement cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. 5. Data Analysis/Interpretation: Analyze and interpret complex scientific data, providing critical insights and recommendations. 6. Equipment Procurement: Assist in the evaluation, acquisition, and maintenance of research core equipment. 7. Professional Development: Stay updated with emerging research trends and technologies. Participate and present in professional development activities and scientific conferences, representing the research core at conferences and events. 8. Scientific Participation: Collaborate with users on manuscript preparation and grant proposals, as applicable. 9, Staff Training and Mentoring: Mentor and support junior staff members in their professional growth. 10. Leadership: Collaborate with senior core leadership on research core-related initiatives. 11. Finance and Admin: Support the Core Director with development and implementation of strategic plans and budgets for the research core. 12. Vendor Relations: Oversees strategic vendor partnerships, manages negotiations, and evaluates vendor performance for the research core. 13. Education and Outreach: Develop education and outreach activities within the core, including tours, events, etc.. Required Education and Experience Master's Degree in a related discipline and five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience.

Job Posting Date

04/15/2026

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Administration & Operations

Compensation Grade Profile

Manager; Program Leader (26)

Salary Range

$92,000.00 - $146,750.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.