Biomechanical Machinist

Under the supervision of the Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery this position will design, fabricate, build and maintain all custom testing systems for biomechanics research. The custom testing systems and fixtures are unique and one of a kind experimental devices designed to simulate in-vivo biomechanical environment for testing diarthrodial joints and musculoskeletal tissues or structures.

Functions:

• Design, fabricate, build and maintain all custom testing systems for biomechanics research. The custom testing systems and fixtures are unique and one of a kind experimental devices designed to simulate in-vivo biomechanical environment for testing diarthrodial joints and musculoskeletal tissues or structures.
• Maintain, prepare and upgrade all current testing systems and fixtures as needed to ensure proper functioning.
  • Shoulder, Knee, Elbow, Hand and Wrist, Spine, Hip, Foot and Ankle,
  • Individual material testing machines
• The incumbent is required to help design and develop new experimental apparatus where knowledge of orthopedic surgery, mechanics and physics is required.
  • This includes conceptualizing the test equipment and either supervising the construction or performing it.
  • This requires experience in the design of test apparatus as well as drafting, machining, and some welding experience.
• Maintenance of the electronic and mechanical equipment will be required, and the ability to diagnose machine malfunctions is a requisite as several of the testing apparatus were specially designed and constructed for the biomechanics lab, and do not have instruction manuals.
• Supports biomechanics research and development projects.
  • Tests and develops instruments, equipment, or components that are with critical performance requirements.
  • Exercises judgment in selecting best of all possible design layouts. Applies knowledge of accepted biomechanical engineering principals and design practices.

Supervisory Controls: 

• The supervisor sets the overall objectives and resources available.
  • The employee and supervisor, in consultation, develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be done.
  • The employee, having developed expertise in the line of work, is responsible for planning and carrying out the assignment, resolving most of the conflicts that arise, coordinating the work with others as necessary, and interpreting policy on own initiative in terms of established objectives.
• After the objectives are established, the incumbent will execute the project objectives to ensure the goals are met.

Computer Security:

• Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion.
• Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc.
• Uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving e-mail. 

Safety:

• Fosters a profile Occupational Safety and Health Program by assuring employee awareness of potential safety hazards, promptly reporting all injuries and effecting corrective actions necessary to eliminate safety and health hazards in the work area.
• Infection control practices for disease prevention (i.e. hand washing, universal precaution/isolation procedures, including TB requirements/precautions). 
• Reports safety hazards, accidents and injuries. 
• Implements and monitors Emergency Preparedness plan. 
• Implements and monitors security policies/procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• Certificates from Manufacturing Engineering, National Institute for Metal Working Standard (NIMS), Manufacturing Skills Standard Council (MSSC) and Welding (AWS, SMAW).
• 15+ years of experience with custom machine design and fabrication.
• Specific skills required.
  • Quality Control Equipment: Micrometer, High Gage, Caliper, and Optical Comparator 
  • Machinery: Lathes, Mills, Surface Grinder, Band Saw, Heat Treating Furnace, Hardness Tester, CNC Lathes and Mills Haas, Mori-Seiki Lathes, and Fadal CNC Mills, Table Saw, Band Saw, Cold Saw, Punch press, Hydraulic Shear, Metal Rollers. C02 Laser Cutter.
  • Welding: Tig Welding (GTAW), Stick Welding (SMAW) 
  • Additive manufacturing: Resin & Filament 3D printing 
  • Fanuc, Heidenhain and Yasnac Controllers 
  • CATIA CAD/CAM software, AutoCAD, Solidworks, Fusion 360

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Relationships with the principal investigator, management, co-workers, patients, and the general public should be consistently courteous, respectful, and cooperative in nature.
• Incumbent should display a cooperative attitude and will effectively work together to implement the organization’s mission and goals.
• Incumbent should ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible.
• Incumbent is required to possess basic understanding of the particular needs of various age groups of people. Employee should be sensitive to the special needs of all people in respect to age, developmental requirements, and culturally related factors.