UDRI is a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry and nonprofit customers. This is a full time benefit eligible position that offers tuition assistance for yourself and dependents, health, dental and vision insurance, retirement, disability, vacation and sick accrual plus paid Holidays. Join the UDRI team and apply now!

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is seeking a highly motivated and highly talented engineer to perform research in the area of Laser Micromachining, Ultrafast lasers, and additive manufacturing (AM). Work will include mechanical design, execution of experiments, sensors data acquisition, and part manufacturing leveraging a variety of laser types. Activities may include, fixture design, investigating laser material interaction, process optimization, collecting and analyzing of in-situ process monitoring data and optical system modifications. The engineer will also be tasked with designing parts via CAD and analyzing data using multiple software tools. Additionally, the candidate will help build the laser manufacturing business through contributions to proposal writing and selling the growing laser manufacturing capabilities of UDRI to prospective customers.


Minimum Qualifications
• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or chemistry from an accredited University
• Proficiency in CAD
• Proficiency in Matlab
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel software
• The ability to be “hands-on” in the lab
• Ability to effectively communicate both written and verbally
• Ability to work well with others and motivate fellow team members
• Ability to think critically and drive a project to competition under the supervision of senior level professionals
• Ability to properly document technical data generated by the assigned projects
• Must be a U.S. Citizen

Preferred Qualifications

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• Experience operating laser manufacturing equipment
• Understanding of laser/material interaction
• Experience with ultrafast lasers for manufacturing
• Experience with laser galvanometers and optics
• Experience with Direct Machine Control software
• General familiarity with the Additive Manufacturing processes
• Experienced in performing image analysis
• Basic understanding of computer programing and/or machine learning
• Basic understanding of sensors and data acquisition
• Experience performing design of experiments (DOE’s) and statistical analysis
• Leadership experience
• Ability to work in a team environment with engineers, and provide ideas and recommendations on improving testing and processes
• Possess the ability to provide technical leadership to personnel supporting the assigned project
• Ability to either present, or participate as a reviewer, in technical and program reviews

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

A federal court on December 7, 2021, issued a ruling that suspends the COVID-19 vaccine requirement that applies to federal contractors nationwide. With this development, the University will pause any enforcement action against employees who have not complied with the requirement to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8, 2021 or to have requested an exemption to maintain their employment status.

The University will continue to monitor the state of the pandemic on campus and in the community as well as developments in federal and state requirements, and also will continue to regularly consult with public health officials and our medical panel. As has been the case throughout the pandemic, our protocols and requirements are subject to change depending on conditions on campus or in our community, and government requirements.


Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.