The R&D Operations Engineer leads rapid prototyping and manufacturing, managing the lifecycle from design to fabrication, while ensuring quality and safety.
Last Energy is seeking a highly skilled and motivated R&D Operations Engineer to lead our rapid prototyping and internal manufacturing capabilities. This is a critical, hands-on role that requires a robust blend of mechanical engineering principles, advanced machining expertise, and manufacturing operations leadership. The Engineer will be responsible for accelerating the development and iteration of our groundbreaking projects by owning the full lifecycle of prototype development, from CAD/CAM to final fabrication and assembly, within our fast-paced R&D environment.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of rapid prototyping and R&D manufacturing operations, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality, high-precision components.
- Develop, program, and optimize complex parts using CAD/CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360) and G-code for a wide array of precision machinery, including multi-axis CNC mills and lathes.
- Design and fabricate mechanical components, fixtures, and tooling, applying robust principles of Mechanical Engineering, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Specify, procure, and manage the maintenance, calibration, and operational readiness of all shop equipment, including CNC machines, manual lathes, welders, laser cutters, and metrology instruments.
- Collaborate closely with R&D and Engineering teams to transition component designs from concept to manufacturable prototypes, providing expert guidance on material selection, fabrication methods, and process refinement.
- Establish and enforce rigorous safety protocols, quality control standards, and shop best practices to maintain a clean, organized, and safe world-class R&D manufacturing environment.
- Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis for manufacturing process deviations or equipment issues, implementing effective, long-term solutions.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent demonstrated practical experience in a high-precision R&D/prototyping environment.
- Must have 3+ years of professional, hands-on experience in advanced CNC programming and precision machining.
- Expertise in applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5 standards is required.
- Proven expertise in setting up, operating, and troubleshooting a wide array of fabrication equipment (e.g., multi-axis CNC, manual machines, TIG/MIG welding, laser cutting).
- Strong foundational knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and material science.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360) for both design and tooling.
- Demonstrated experience in a leadership or managerial capacity for a machine shop, R&D lab, or similar technical operation is highly desirable.
- Strong work ethic, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to lead projects and personnel in a dynamic R&D setting.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
What you need to know about the Austin Tech Scene
Austin has a diverse and thriving tech ecosystem thanks to home-grown companies like Dell and major campuses for IBM, AMD and Apple. The state’s flagship university, the University of Texas at Austin, is known for its engineering school, and the city is known for its annual South by Southwest tech and media conference. Austin’s tech scene spans many verticals, but it’s particularly known for hardware, including semiconductors, as well as AI, biotechnology and cloud computing. And its food and music scene, low taxes and favorable climate has made the city a destination for tech workers from across the country.
Key Facts About Austin Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 180,500; 13.7% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Dell, IBM, AMD, Apple, Alphabet
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, hardware, cloud computing, software, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.5 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Live Oak Ventures, Austin Ventures, Hinge Capital, Gigafund, KdT Ventures, Next Coast Ventures, Silverton Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Texas, Southwestern University, Texas State University, Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Texas Advanced Computing Center
