Research Engineer IV or V

University of Maine System•Orono, ME

15h•$145,000

About The Position

The University of Maine is hiring a Research Engineer IV or V to execute and lead complex engineering research and development involving structural and component design, advanced composite materials, mechanical testing, manufacturing processes, tooling, automation, and large-scale structural applications. The position provides technical leadership in the design, analysis, testing, manufacturing, and integration of advanced structures and components, including large-scale additive manufacturing, marine structures, and advanced composite systems. The work supports innovative technologies from material- and component-level research through full-scale structural design, manufacturing, testing, and demonstration. Research may involve composite and hybrid structural design, material characterization, automated fabrication, resin transfer molding, pultrusion, thermoplastic processing, additive manufacturing, automated fiber placement, and advanced tooling systems. The typical hiring range for this soft-money-funded position is commensurate with career level. Candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person under U.S. Export Control Regulations because the position requires access to export-controlled information. The University of Maine is a public research university and Carnegie R1 institution with campuses in Orono and Machias. Employee benefits include tuition benefits for employees and dependents, medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance, and retirement plan options. Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their experience, interests, and suitability for the position, along with a resume or curriculum vitae. Candidates advancing to the final stages will be asked to provide references. Incomplete applications cannot be considered; materials received after the initial review date may be reviewed at the University's discretion. For full consideration, applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on December 4, 2026. The successful applicant is subject to background screening and a post-offer physical.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering field.
Seven or more years of significant professional experience in advanced composites, composite manufacturing, manufacturing process development, engineering design, tooling, automation, structural engineering, mechanics of materials, or related engineering research.
Experience with composite manufacturing technologies such as resin infusion/RTM, pultrusion, thermoplastic processing, automated manufacturing, and/or additive manufacturing.
Demonstrated ability to independently execute complex engineering research and solve multidisciplinary technical problems.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines and work effectively with multidisciplinary research teams and external partners.
For consideration at Engineer V level, additional experience leading complex engineering research or major technical workstreams, providing technical direction, coordinating resources, and mentoring team members.
Must qualify as a U.S. Person under U.S. Export Control Regulations.
Submit a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae; references will be requested from candidates selected for final stages.
Successful applicant must complete appropriate background screening and a post-offer physical.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering field.
EI or Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.

Responsibilities

Execute and lead complex engineering research and development activities involving structural and component design, advanced composite materials, mechanical testing, manufacturing processes, tooling, automation, and large-scale structural applications.
Provide technical leadership in the design, analysis, testing, manufacturing, and integration of advanced structures and components.
Support development and scale-up of innovative technologies from material- and component-level research through full-scale structural design, manufacturing, testing, and demonstration.
Conduct research activities that may include composite and hybrid structural design, material characterization, automated fabrication, resin transfer molding, pultrusion, thermoplastic processing, additive manufacturing, automated fiber placement, and advanced tooling systems.
At Engineer V level, lead complex engineering research or major technical workstreams, provide technical direction, coordinate resources, and mentor team members.
Manage multiple projects and deadlines and work effectively with multidisciplinary research teams and external partners.