Research Engineer III

Michigan Technological University • Osceola Township, MI

4d • $87,400 - $96,600

About The Position

Michigan Technological University is seeking a Research Engineer III for its Advanced Power Systems Research Center (APSRC). APSRC uses a matrix structure, with vertical teams organized around technical areas of revenue generation and horizontal teams organized around support functions. Both groups are staffed by Research Professionals. The Research Engineer III performs a variety of tasks, either in direct alignment with customers in a vertical group or in a supporting role in a horizontal group.

The position balances multiple projects and contributes directly to project progress by applying accumulated technical knowledge. It provides technical expertise and mentorship to junior staff and students, supports research and development activities, and communicates results through publications, presentations, and customer interactions. In vertical groups, the role also has increased responsibility for funding development and business relationships. The position may lead parts of large projects and serve as principal investigator on small projects.

This is a full-time, 12-month appointment that is dependent on continued external funding. The anticipated salary range is $87,400–$96,600, with final salary negotiable based on experience and qualifications. The role reports to a Manager. Employees may occasionally travel, work flexible hours when needed, and lift up to 50 pounds. The work environment is usually low to moderate in noise, though it can be loud for short periods in the shop; hearing protection is provided when needed.

Requirements

• Master’s degree.
• 6–12 years of related work history for entry into this level.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Experience creating and following budgets.
• Technical and non-technical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to establish a plan to address scientific or technical issues.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of engineering research and development activities, including hypothesis, concept, design, simulation, analysis, fabrication, and experimentation.
• Excellent written communication skills, including PowerPoint and authoring technical publications.
• Excellent public speaking skills, including delivering technical presentations.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Demonstrated initiative in tackling challenges and a hunger for more.
• Demonstrated humility.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in at least one scientific and technical area.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the product development cycle used in industry.
• Ability to make technical decisions that affect the overall success of a project.
• Exceptional emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours on occasion when needed.
• Ability to work independently without daily interaction with a direct supervisor.
• Ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff.

Nice To Haves

• Additional degree beyond the minimum requirement, such as an additional bachelor’s degree in a different discipline, a master’s degree, or a Ph.D.
• Additional years of professional experience beyond the minimum requirement.
• Licensed Professional Engineer.
• Teaching experience.
• Lean and Six Sigma training and application.
• Experience working on research projects with at least a CUI security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Balance multiple projects and contribute personally to project progress using cumulative knowledge.
• Stay current on technologies, trends, and methods related to the APSRC mission.
• Provide technical expertise and mentorship to junior staff and students.
• Author and co-author technical publications.
• Attend and give technical presentations at professional conferences.
• Serve on review committees for technical papers and similar work within the technical area.
• For staff in vertical groups, architect and lead-author proposals, develop price quotes, build and maintain business relationships, and represent APSRC in sales-type settings as required.
• Manage projects.
• Lead sub-parts of large projects and serve as principal investigator on small projects.
• Develop presentations and present results to partners and customers.
• Maintain and work within the budget for a sub-part of a large project or an entire small project.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior