Temporary Research Scientist/Engineer 1-1

Job Description

The Research Scientist/Engineer will lead efforts ensuring that the open source hardware products and any accompanying software developed by the community are appropriately vetted, tested, and documented. They will build the new designs external developers create, testing their robustness, their ease of assembly, and use. In so doing, they will contribute additional documentation, including results of technical validation. They will communicate regularly about their progress to the wider community, e.g. through virtual meetings and on Discord. Furthermore, they will test new software programs and ensure that existing software programs continue to function through best practices in software maintenance. The position requires independent work under limited supervision, application of standard scientific/engineering practices, collaboration with team members, and occasional guidance of junior staff or students.
This Temporary RSE 1 position supports ongoing research in Machine Agency in the College of Engineering.

Duties and Responsibilities

Open-Source Hardware Building – 70%

• Build and test hardware designs created by external developers, evaluating robustness, ease of assembly, and usability.
• Conduct technical validation and contribute clear, accurate documentation of findings.
• Test software programs and ensure ongoing functionality of existing programs using best practices in software maintenance.
• Regularly communicate progress to the broader community through virtual meetings, Discord, and other channels.
• Improve documentation, processes, and tools based on testing outcomes and user feedback.

Scientific & Engineering Project Support – 20%

• Use established methods to solve well-defined technical problems and complete components of larger projects.
• Apply standard scientific and engineering practices, adjust and analyze data, and identify discrepancies in results.
• Conduct laboratory or field experiments, including taking measurements, recording observations, and collecting and processing data.
• Contribute data and findings for reports, presentations, and other documentation.
• Participate collaboratively with team members and offer ideas to improve group efficiency.
• Implement established planning and tracking approaches for tasks involving scope, cost, and schedule.

Team Collaboration, Development, & Other Duties – 10%

• Continue developing technical expertise and knowledge through hands-on experience.
• Support ongoing funding efforts through successful project execution (no direct responsibility for securing funding).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering or a related field and one year of relevant experience.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Desired Qualifications:

• Digital fabrication skills e.g., 3D printing, CNC milling, laser cutting
• Experience with running and debugging computer-controlled processes, e.g., G-code, motor controllers
• Experience with computational notebooks, e.g., Jupyter Notebooks or similar
• Experience with version control, e.g., Github
• Familiarity with CAD, e.g., Onshape, Fusion 360, Rhino
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for sharing results with peers, supervisors, and external community members.
• Comfortable presenting data and findings in reports, presentations, or virtual meetings.
• Interest in contributing to open-source communities or collaborative scientific projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively in teams and provide constructive input to improve efficiency

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at or  

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.