Foundry Engineer

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Closing Date:

10/01/2026

Type of Position:

Researchers and ScientistsNo

Job Type:

Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term)No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

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Department:

Department of Physics Research Assistants 02

Summary of Job Duties:

MonArk NSF Quantum Foundry (a consortium between Montana State University, University of Utah, University of Arkansas) is seeking to fill a position of Foundry Engineer to support its Arkansas site. The Foundry operates as a shared user facility supporting researchers across multiple institutions. This role requires balancing hands-on engineering work with user support, system reliability, and collaborative development.

The Foundry Engineer will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to design, build, integrate, and maintain automated fabrication systems, focusing on developing software for existing systems supporting the ongoing integration of new automation capabilities. This role combines hands-on engineering, system integration, and software control development to enable reliable, production-grade quantum device fabrication workflows. This role will play a critical part in finalizing and operationalizing robotic automation systems, enabling reproducible, high-throughput quantum device fabrication within a shared user facility.

Key Responsibilities
• Develop and implement software-based control frameworks for existing automated machinery and robotics systems
• Collaborate with Foundry staff, students, and other users to design, implement, and maintain research tools and automated fabrication systems
• Troubleshoot and optimize integrated hardware/software systems to meet production and quality goals
• Provide training and technical support to facility users and staff
• Continuously evaluate and improve systems to enhance reliability, safety, and throughput
• Ensure systems comply with safety standards and operational protocols in a research laboratory setting
• Support and guide students and researchers using foundry systems
• Occasional travel to partner institutions (e.g., Montana State University, University of Utah) may be required for collaboration and system integration.

This is a one year appointment, renewable based on the need for the position, availability of funding, and continued satisfactory level of performance in the role.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field

• At least four to seven years of experience in robotics, automation, or autonomous systems

• Strong programming skills in Python with experience in control systems, automation, or robotics software

• Experience with JavaScript/HTML for user interfaces and Git-based version control workflows

• Demonstrated experience integrating hardware and software in complex robotic or automation environments

• Hands-on experience with system debugging, troubleshooting, and deployment in lab or field settings

• Familiarity with robotic subsystems (e.g., mobility platforms, robotic arms, grippers, sensors, safety systems, embedded electronics)

• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to evolving technical requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in research lab environments, user facilities, or shared instrumentation settings

• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) and mechanical system design

• Background in semiconductor, cleanroom, or advanced manufacturing environments

• Demonstrated experience mentoring students and overseeing their work

Additional Information:

This position is a Designated Research Position and is regulated by the Arkansas Research Education Protection Act of 2025.  Prior to issuance of an offer of employment, the University is required to request and obtain additional information about an applicant’s background and, if required, conduct an additional review of that background information.

This position is renewable annually based on continued need for the position, availability of funding, and satisfactory job performance.

$65,000Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), ResumeProof of Veteran StatusHugh Churchill, Professor and Director of the Arkansas Materials Institute, hchurch@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

N/A

Frequent Physical Activity:

N/A

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes