Engineer II

University of Central Florida • Orlando, FL

2d • $68,518

About The Position

The Florida Space Institute (FSI) supports space research, development, and education activities. Since 1996, FSI has been an institute of the State University System of Florida. FSI is made up of researchers, educators, and staff from member universities in Florida. FSI research ranges from studying the Earth’s upper atmosphere to the origin of the planets and from the workings of asteroids to propulsion technologies for high-Mach aerospace vehicles. Additionally, FSI is involved in space missions to include rocket launches, suborbital flights, the NASA Cassini mission to Saturn, and NASA’s Explorer program.

The Opportunity: The Engineer II conducts hardware testing for UCF researchers and external customers using laboratory test equipment and is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and reliability of that equipment. The Engineer II collaborates with researchers on proposal development by producing conceptual designs, reviewing existing designs, and recommending technical improvements. In support of sponsored research projects, the Engineer II designs, builds, and integrates subsystems and complete systems to meet defined requirements; performs testing to verify and validate system performance; and contributes technical expertise to reports, documentation, and presentations submitted to sponsoring agencies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6) .

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including the design, build, and testing of hardware (e.g., vibration or environmental testing systems).
• Experience working with regolith simulants or similar material, including handling, preparation, and testing in laboratory or field environments.
• Proficiency with mechanical design tools such as SolidWorks (or comparable CAD software) and experience creating analytical or simulation models.
• Demonstrated analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to research, analyze, and critically evaluate technical information.
• Experience supporting proposal development, grant preparation, or funded research projects, including technical documentation and data summaries.
• Strong communication skills, with experience summarizing, presenting, and explaining technical data to diverse audiences; prior student mentoring experience preferred.
• Experience supporting space, aerospace, or related research environments, with the ability to manage multiple projects independently, work under pressure, and collaborate effectively in a team setting with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with UCF researchers and external customers to define testing requirements and parameters.
• Develop and execute laboratory test procedures in support of research objectives.
• Perform testing of hardware using appropriate laboratory test equipment.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to evaluate performance and compliance with requirements.
• Document findings and prepare clear, accurate test reports.
• Work closely with researchers to refine and finalize system and subsystem design objectives.
• Design and develop systems and components to meet functional and technical requirements
• Produce technical drawings, schematics, and engineering specifications.
• Coordinate with researchers and vendors to identify, procure, and acquire components and materials.
• Modify, fabricate, install, and integrate hardware and/or software components into complete systems.
• Conduct verification and validation testing of subsystems and full systems.
• Contribute to research papers, technical reports, and presentations for sponsoring agencies.
• Collaborate with researchers to determine technical and design objectives for proposals.
• Perform conceptual design of systems and subsystems in support of proposal efforts.
• Review existing designs and recommend improvements or alternatives.
• Develop technical drawings, specifications, and supporting documentation.
• Write, review, and contribute technical content for grant and contract proposals.
• Perform routine and preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment malfunctions or failures.
• Coordinate with vendors to obtain replacement parts, repairs, or service support.
• Test and validate equipment functionality following maintenance or repair activities.
• Provide mentoring and technical training to students working on sponsored research projects.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams in a research-focused environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays
• Retirement savings options
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions
• Education assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees