Scientific Instrument Maker

Intellectual Ventures (IV) is a privately held invention investment company based in Bellevue, Washington that is driven by the belief that we can change the world through the power of invention. The Scientific Instrument Manufacturing and Testing Group (SIMTG) at the IV Laboratory is the physical manifestation of the invention culture that thrives at IV. With a broad array of designing, manufacturing, testing, and mechatronics capabilities under one roof, the SIMTG team is outfitted to bridge the gap between early-state ideas and proof-of-concept demonstrations taking invention out of the laboratory and into the marketplace.

The Scientific Instrument Manufacturing and Testing Group (SIMTG) create and enable innovative development in technology, engineering, manufacturing, and science. The SIMTG provides expertise in machine design, prototype manufacturing, embedded real-time software, electro-optics systems, sensor data acquisition, and test support. A broad range of technologies is supported in the SIMTG Machine Shop including:

• Machining
• Welding
• Electronics
• 3D printing
• Rapid prototype fabrication
• Assembly
• Metallurgy

SIMTG testing services include mechanical modeling and design using SolidWorks and CamWorks created machine tool paths. These technologies support our fully equipped Instrument/Machine Shop, which houses a broad range of high-quality equipment including 3, 4, and 5 axis mills, EDM, CNC lathes, waterjet, 3D printers, and CNC press brake.

Position Description

The Scientific Instrument Maker performs a variety of technical tasks working with engineers, scientists, instrument makers, and other SIMTG members in helping to design, fabricate, assemble, and operate components, subassemblies, and final assembly of prototypes and experiments. The preparation and layout of drawings, operation of sophisticated machinery and test equipment, as well as using sophisticated programs to collect and evaluate operating data is essential to conducting on-line adjustments to prototypes, instruments, or other equipment. Maintain an accurate and current Laboratory Notebook. The following responsibilities (based on education and work experience) may be performed alone or as part of a team in the planning, design, fabrication, and testing of controlled experiments or prototype builds.

Responsibilities

The Scientific Instrument Maker has the following responsibilities:

• Under general supervision, constructs precision prototype instruments, devices, parts, models, jigs, fixtures, dies, and device assemblies from raw stock and purchased materials.
• Assist in the design and modeling of instruments, parts, devices, tooling, jigs, fixtures, and assemblies for, and in support of, engineers, customers, and potential other manufacturers.
• Under general supervision, assemble, test, and evaluate devices both procured and manufactured as required to assure function and appearance to the customer's final requirements.
• Interface with and works with general supervision doing engineering on the designs and design feasibility of machined, molded, cast parts, and assemblies.
• Use knowledge of materials to help select and advise customers and engineers of the right type of materials to be used.
• Using CAD system, designs parts and tooling, and creates assemblies to prove out designs.
• Using CAD system, generates drawings to be used in manufacturing.
• Works from CAD models, blueprints, and sketches to manufacture parts and create assemblies.
• Using CAM system, creates machine code to create individual parts on a wide variety of CNC machine tools.
• Under general supervision, sets up all manual and CNC machine tools and makes adjustment as required to produce required parts per drawing and CAD models.
• Work to meet customer production schedules and objectives.
• Maintain accurate attendance and job time keeping per department rules and time keeping system.
• Maintain good housekeeping and safety practices per laboratory standards and rules.
• Perform all other duties as assigned (i.e., instructing interns and laboratory employees in basic shop safety and operation of basic tools and assisting laboratory personnel with their projects).

Qualifications and Required Skills

The Scientific Instrument Maker is highly skilled and contributes to the development of concepts and techniques. They complete complex tasks in creative and effective ways in addition to possessing the following key qualifications and required skills:

• Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience.
• Prefer experience using SolidWorks/Hypermill in design and programming work, but experience with other CAD/CAM systems may qualify.
• Perform programming, set-up, and operation of CNC machining centers, and CNC lathes.
• Experience with CNC EDM also very desirable.
• Experience welding with TIG/MIG, arc and gas welding, soldering, brazing, sintering, and other bonding techniques is desirable.
• Be responsible for materials selection, forming limitations, joining and sealing methods, finish, and planning timely completion of work.
• Make special jigs, fixtures, and devices for holding materials for machining and assembly.
• Work under general direction of the department and be responsible for individual quality control and timely completion of assigned projects. At times, will be assigned help to complete assigned projects and will be responsible ensuring help is utilized properly.
• Determines methods and procedures on new assignments.

Intellectual Ventures was founded on the certainty that ideas have value. It is with that same certainty we acknowledge that not all ideas are equally valued. Our ability to champion impactful invention demands a diverse array of talent supported within an environment where all team members are included and empowered to do their best work. As an organization we learn from our past, address current issues, and remove lingering systems that create, maintain, or promote inequities throughout the workplace. We are committed to building a more diverse and inclusive environment by adopting and advancing equitable practices and processes. Learn more.

Employees (and their eligible dependents) are covered by medical (with health savings account contributions for participants in our high deductible health plan), dental, and vision. Our benefits also include disability insurance, life/accidental death and dismemberment insurance, employee assistance program, 401k with matching employer contributions, eighteen PTO days, nine paid company holidays per year, maternity leave, parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition reimbursement, and paid sick time of one hour for every 30 hours worked. In addition, our employees are eligible for annual bonuses and other discretionary bonuses.

Export Compliance Disclaimer

This position requires access or potential access to technology and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export control requirements under the ITAR or the EAR. Therefore, candidates will need to confirm that they are a United States citizen, a United States national, a United States lawful permanent resident ("green card holder"), or an asylee or refugee.