ICAMS engineer recognized for excellence
Published: Dec 17, 2025 2:30 PM
By Carla Nelson
Scott Neff, a research engineer with the Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS), has received Auburn University’s Spirit of Excellence Award, which recognizes outstanding employee contributions and commitment to Auburn’s mission.
Neff, who has served as a research engineer at ICAMS since 2021, was recognized for his exceptional effort on a complex research project supporting Auburn University’s Department of Physics. The project involved precision machining of lead for a novel research instrument and required enhanced safety measures and specialized material disposal protocols.
Lewis Payton, associate director of operations for ICAMS, nominated Neff for the award.
"Scott's tireless efforts saved the physics department more than $30,000," Payton said. "He successfully delivered the project on budget within the estimated delivery date after seven tireless weeks of continuous work. This demonstrated the Auburn Creed in absolutely every way imaginable."
Neff said he put in a lot of extra work and effort to maintain the additional safety measures and proper disposal of materials for the physics job.
“It felt really great to see that hard work recognized," he said. "I was glad to be able to assist the physics department with this challenging job and bring in such a large project for ICAMS.”
In his role at ICAMS, Neff manages a wide range of technical, operational and leadership responsibilities. He oversees quoting rates and pricing structures, leads the ICAMS safety council, maintains safety documentation and serves as custodian of the Personnel Qualification Standards used to train and certify undergraduate research assistants on lab equipment.
Neff also contributes to student training and management, computer-aided design and manufacturing, prototyping, small- to medium-scale production runs and design-for-manufacturing support for campus partners. In addition, he helps maintain ICAMS’ Industry 4.0 infrastructure and conducts research focused on optimizing metal additive manufacturing processes for direct energy deposition systems.
“What I enjoy most is the variety of work requests that come through the lab,” Neff said. “It’s always something different and a new challenge to solve, so it’s rarely ever boring.”
Neff earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University in 2016 and his master’s degree in 2019. He completed a Master of Engineering Management in 2025 and is currently working towards a doctorate in mechanical engineering.
Outside of ICAMS, Neff serves as a battery commander in the U.S. Army National Guard. He said his military experience has directly influenced his contributions at ICAMS.
“My familiarity with safety programs, qualification standards and documentation comes from my time in the military,” he said. “It’s been a great help in continuing to structure and develop ICAMS as it has grown over the years.”
Following completion of his doctorate, Neff plans to transition into a role supporting federal government programs, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing and applied engineering research.
Media Contact: , carla@auburn.edu, 334-844-1404
Scott Neff, who has served as a research engineer at ICAMS since 2021, was recognized for his exceptional effort on a complex research project supporting Auburn University’s Department of Physics.
