Human Resources

Job Description Summary

The Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) at Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) seeks to create, support, expand, and accelerate research activities in translational research. As a leading research Institute, the GLRC is a flagship Center of Excellence integrating faculty and professional researchers in multidisciplinary research collaborations to address critical challenges facing society. The Institute provides a full spectrum of research services, currently to more than 70 affiliated researchers from eighteen academic and non-academic units across campus, with annual research expenditures approaching $10 million.

The GLRC is seeking an experienced research engineer to join our organization to facilitate multi-domain physical modeling, optimization, and engineering analysis; instrumentation, data acquisition, and digital signal processing; and apply mechanical and electrical engineering, computer programming, embedded sensor and controls to on-going and new research initiatives. Ideal candidates will have a MS in mechanical or electrical engineering; have education or experience in translational research and/or commercialization; and must be able to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance, which requires United States citizenship.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

1. Participate as a team member in research development activities applying mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, knowledge to support the successful completion of sponsor deliverables and advance innovative approaches to systems integration in environmental, marine, and terrestrial platforms.
2. Contribute to the design, build, and testing of systems to support multidisciplinary translational research for a variety of agencies including the NOAA, NASA, and the Department of Defense.
3. Participate in field deployment and testing of prototypes and contribute to reports to meet sponsor requirements and disseminate scientific/engineering knowledge.
4. Server as both a contributor and lead on proposals to external funding agencies.
5. Support the translation of research and innovation through SBIR/STTR and other commercialization activities.
6. Work collaboratively with peers, supervised staff, and students towards the efficient and on-budget delivery of research tasks. 
7. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
8. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
9. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives. 

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements)

• Master’s Degree in Engineering, preferably mechanical or electrical engineering

Required Experience (minimum requirements)

• 10 years of industry experience beyond degree and a minimum of five years supporting translational (SBIR/STTR) research.
• Previous research experience serving as a Principal Investigator.
• Previous experience in the design, build/fabrication, and testing of experimental equipment/systems.
• Experience with data acquisition and embedded sensor systems including National Instruments, Arduino, Micrologix, and cDAQ/c/RIO/PXI.
• Experience evaluating marketability of products towards commercialization.
• Demonstrated experience leading diverse teams to meet program objectives.
• Customer discovery and client relations management.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Experience in computer programming and coding.
• Multi-domain physical system modeling, optimization and engineering analysis.
• Experience working with UUV, AUV, and other marine assets.
• Experience working with Department of Defense clients.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities (minimum requirements)

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance which requires United States citizenship.
• Extensive fabrication skills including CNC and manual machining, mechanical drawings and electric schematics, welding, and building of engines, electrical, and drive systems.
• Proficiency with a variety of software applications including MATLAB, LabVIEW, C programming, and AutoCAD.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and/or contribute to publications and reports.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Research budget development.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences, including technical and non-technical groups and individuals.
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities

1.0

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Rate/Salary

Negotiable Based on Experience

Title of Position Supervisor

Director, Great Lakes Research Center

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding