Need a Custom Research Tool? This UC San Diego Team Can Help.

Just steps north of the iconic Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, a cluster of unassuming buildings lines a small parking lot at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. 

Inside these modest structures lies the world-class Marine Science Development Center (MSDC), a full-service facility operated by Scripps Oceanography and dedicated to the design, manufacturing and assembly of advanced scientific instruments. 

The center is powered by a 13-member team of engineers, fabricators and welders who bring ideas to life using precision instruments and systems. At the helm is Rob Klidy, manager of manufacturing operations, who has been with UC San Diego for 25 years. 

Klidy joined the center shortly after serving in the Marine Corps, starting in an entry-level role fueled by his interest in manufacturing. Over time, he rose to a management position, now leading a versatile team whose projects span cutting-edge science, practical infrastructure and even the arts. 

“By combining technical expertise with hands-on collaboration, our team at the Marine Science Development Center helps scientists and other campus community members achieve their goals,” said Klidy. “Our unique ability to create one-of-a-kind, specialized instruments that can’t be purchased off the shelf also benefits U.S. agencies and international collaborators.”

Much of the work at the Marine Science Development Center supports groundbreaking oceanographic research — from building robotic floats and gliders, to constructing components for one-of-a-kind wind/wave channels that advance the study of the ocean and atmosphere, to developing underwater acoustic instruments including a unique lander vehicle that celebrated director James Cameron used to collect samples from the deepest point on Earth.

Building the world's most sophisticated scientific instruments requires advanced cutting tools, and MSDC continually seeks more capable machining systems. In 2024, Scripps Oceanography received a Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) award from the Department of Defense, enabling the center to upgrade its two advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) lathes, both sourced from a U.S.-based manufacturing vendor. These high-tech machines allow researchers to produce more sophisticated and accurate scientific sensors, boosting the center’s ability to create precision oceanographic instruments. Support from DURIP is vital to advancing university-led innovations in defense-relevant research areas, which in turn drives growth in the emerging U.S. marine robotics industry.

In addition to marine science projects, Klidy and his team have created specialized tools for nuclear fusion research, produced physics tools to test electron beam transport, and had a hand in building an observation telescope in Chile, enabling the study of the oldest light in the universe.

Their handiwork is also visible across campus. This includes everything from exhibits at Birch Aquarium to a refitted front gate for Scripps Pier, along with custom pier stairs and railings. Extending into the artistic world, the team brought several pieces to life for UC San Diego’s famed Stuart Collection, including Terry Allen’s Trees, Mike Bradford’s What Hath God Wrought and Michael Asher’s Untitled fountain. At the request of Scripps donors, they also built a custom osprey nesting platform, now housed on Scripps Pier (watch the livestream here).  

While physically based at Scripps, the Marine Science Development Center supports the broader UC San Diego community and also works with external commercial clients, serving as a national and international resource. Klidy encourages anyone in need of services to get in touch with him directly or visit the MSDC website for more information. 

We spoke with the longtime Scripps staff member to learn more about the incredible work led by his team, some of his favorite collaborations to date, and the importance of federal funding in advancing their efforts.
 

Give us an overview of the Marine Science Development Center — what happens here?

The Marine Science Development Center is a self-supporting manufacturing and welding fabrication facility that provides specialized support to UC San Diego scientists across a wide range of areas. From ocean, earth and atmospheric research to medical innovation, fusion energy and space exploration, the center designs and builds the custom tools and equipment needed to advance groundbreaking scientific discovery. 

Our 15,000-square-foot facility features two dedicated work areas. The Machine Shop houses state-of-the-art, computer-controlled machines for milling, cutting, precision machining, drilling, polishing and more. The Weld Shop specializes in building seagoing gear, ultra-high vacuum hardware fabrication and general fabrication. Our welders are certified to work with all common metals — including low-alloy steels, stainless steels, aluminum, titanium and bronze — with a specialty in “seawater-qualified” fabrications. We also operate a Quality Control Department that inspects all outgoing parts and conducts pressure testing.  

Our work is important to the campus community because we build many of the tools that make it possible for scientists to study and better understand our ever-changing environment. With its deep historical roots, the campus Machine Shop has long supported Scripps scientists’ ability to go to sea, and it remains one of the institution’s defining strengths. Having an in-house team that can rapidly design and prototype solutions to ocean research challenges is an incredible advantage. 

Can you share examples of collaboration with researchers in designing or troubleshooting instrumentation?

We work closely with researchers to transform their experimental requirements into functional instruments. A recent example involved the Scripps Ocean-Atmosphere Research Simulator (SOARS), a 120-foot-long wind/wave channel that allows scientists to replicate ocean conditions under controlled settings. 

Shortly after commissioning, SOARS experienced a wave paddle issue: The wall’s surface finish failed, causing the seal to deform and allowing excessive water to accumulate behind the paddle. Our team at MSDC worked closely with collaborating partners to redesign the wall surface using ceramic tile, ensuring the paddle’s silicone seal could operate reliably. Because SOARS replicates conditions ranging from freezing to subtropical environments, it was critical to select materials that were safe for underwater use, resistant to thermal expansion, and able to withstand long-term submersion.

What do you enjoy most about your work? Are there any particular projects that stand out as favorites?

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is helping others see their projects through to completion. A particularly memorable example was the fabrication of a large A-frame steel support structure that had to be welded to the hull section of the decommissioned FLIP research platform. The fixture had to be constructed in the MSDC parking lot and then transported to the Nimitz Marine Facility in Point Loma for final assembly, which required close collaboration across several people and departments. With no supporting prints to guide our fabrication, I was initially concerned about how well the parts would fit together. Fortunately, everything aligned perfectly, the project was a success, and the scientists were deeply grateful. 

What emerging technologies or capabilities would you like to add to support future research? 

One technology I’ve been especially interested in is “lights-out manufacturing,” which uses automation to let machines safely operate on their own after hours. This isn’t about mass production, but about making equipment more accessible for research, saving staff time and enabling the exploration of new technologies. With tools like smart sensors, automatic tool changers, robotic arms for part handling, and remote monitoring, projects could continue even when no one is onsite. This approach would also save time and money for researchers working under tight schedules and limited budgets.

By pursuing funding from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and other agencies, this vision could become reality — further positioning MSDC as one of the most advanced scientific manufacturing facilities in the world. This effort would also build on ONR’s long history of sponsoring innovative seagoing science that relies on our center’s in-house expertise.

What’s the best way to connect with your team for a potential project, and how does the process typically work? 

The best way to work with my team is to submit a request via email. Once the customer and I agree on a plan, we move forward with the ordering process. If the design needs refinement, the customer can sit down with one of my machinists for support. From there, MSDC then processes the request, and when the parts are completed, I notify the customer. We enjoy helping customers turn their dreams and ideas into reality.