Machine Shop Manager Biomedical Engineer

Axle
Bethesda, MD
On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for biomedical engineers who design and fabricate scientific instruments and manage machine shop operations, with a focus on hands-on technical expertise and collaboration with researchers in a US-based setting.

Best fit for

  • Biomedical engineers with 10+ years of experience in designing and building scientific instrumentation for research settings
    — “Experience working directly with scientists and engineers to design and build scientific instrumentation.”
  • Individuals who can balance technical fabrication with organizational and compliance responsibilities
    — “Maintain machine shop organization, facility and equipment usage records, and compliance with safety regulations.”

Things to consider

  • The role likely requires in-person presence at NIH in Bethesda, MD, given the emphasis on equipment maintenance and training
    — “Supporting the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) located in Bethesda, MD.”
  • Candidates must be prepared to handle unscheduled service orders and adapt to changing project needs
    — “Complete unscheduled service orders, including equipment calibration and electronic and mechanical repairs.”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience in designing and building custom biomedical devices for research purposes
    — “Design and fabricate custom mechanical, electromechanical, optical, and hydraulic instruments and devices for research and clinical applications.”
  • Emphasize proficiency in CAD and ability to interpret technical drawings and blueprints
    — “Interpret blueprints, sketches, drawings, and photographs to fabricate, manufacture, or repair equipment.”
  • Showcase a track record in maintaining and repairing complex machinery in a professional setting
    — “Maintain milling machines, lathes, drill presses, band saws, associated tooling, and hand and power tools.”
  • Demonstrate knowledge of quality assurance and industry practices in design and fabrication
    — “Knowledge of design and fabrication quality assurance and relevant industry practices.”
  • Include examples of training others in equipment operation and working collaboratively with scientists
    — “Train users in safe equipment operation and assist users with device fabrication.”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • custom parts fabrication
  • equipment maintenance
  • user training
Typical background
materials engineeringmachine shop management

Skills & requirements

Required

Biomedical EngineeringMachine Shop OperationsFabricationRepairQuality AssuranceSafety ProceduresUser Training

Preferred

Research Instrumentation Design

Stack & domain

Biomedical EngineeringMachine Shop OperationsFabricationRepairTestingComputer-aided DesignMilling MachinesLathesDrill PressesBand SawsElectronic And Mechanical RepairsEquipment CalibrationSafety ProceduresUser TrainingConsultationCommunicationProblem-solvingTeamworkCustomer ServiceBiomedical ResearchClinical Applications

About the role

Original posting from Axle via Greenhouse

(ID: 2026-3824)

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Axle is seeking a Part-Time Machine Shop Manager Biomedical Engineer to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) located in Bethesda, MD.

Benefits We Offer:

100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees

Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

401K match up to 5%

Educational Benefits for Career Growth

Employee Referral Bonus

Flexible Spending Accounts:

Healthcare (FSA)

Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)

Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)

Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

Position Overview

The Part-Time Machine Shop Manager Biomedical Engineer will work with investigators to design, machine, fabricate, repair, and test custom parts, scientific instruments, and devices used in research and clinical applications. The position also supports machine shop operations, equipment maintenance, safety procedures, and user training.

Responsibilities

  • Consult with researchers and engineers on instrumentation needs and use computer-aided design to draft parts and products.
  • Design and fabricate custom mechanical, electromechanical, optical, and hydraulic instruments and devices for research and clinical applications.
  • Manufacture and repair specialized laboratory equipment parts, component assemblies, and tooling fixtures.
  • Evaluate design alternatives based on material properties, machining capabilities, and project specifications.
  • Interpret blueprints, sketches, drawings, and photographs to fabricate, manufacture, or repair equipment using hand tools, power tools, and machine shop equipment.
  • Maintain, repair, modify, install, and test electronic and mechanical components.
  • Complete unscheduled service orders, including equipment calibration and electronic and mechanical repairs.
  • Plan and carry out equipment modifications based on performance following initial use.
  • Maintain milling machines, lathes, drill presses, band saws, associated tooling, and hand and power tools; replace tools as needed.
  • Arrange and oversee equipment servicing and major repairs.
  • Maintain machine shop organization, facility and equipment usage records, and compliance with safety regulations.
  • Maintain and enforce standard operating procedures for machine shop equipment.
  • Train users in safe equipment operation and assist users with device fabrication.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in materials engineering, materials science, or another engineering field.
  • Minimum of 10 years of work experience.
  • Experience working directly with scientists and engineers to design and build scientific instrumentation.
  • Proficiency with machining and fabrication, including the use of milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and band saws.
  • Knowledge of design and fabrication quality assurance and relevant industry practices.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Deliverables

  • Perform validation activities as needed.
  • Inspect equipment biweekly.
  • Demonstrate machining competence and maintain the machine shop in working order through weekly deliverables.

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.

The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: careers@axleinfo.com

This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

Salary Range$80—$87 USD

Source: Axle careers (Greenhouse)

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