Job DescriptionSummary | The Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) at Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) aims to advance freshwater and coastal ocean research as a foundation for health, economic prosperity and global sustainability through interdisciplinary research cutting across Michigan Tech's academic programs. The GLRC institute includes collaborative faculty from eleven disciplines within the Colleges of Engineering, Computing, Sciences and Arts, Business, and Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences. The GLRC seeks to hire a research engineer in the area of electrical engineering, or similar engineering field, to support development of marine-based sensing platforms and autonomous vehicle operations. Systems of interest include observational buoys, wireless communication networks, environmental remote sensing platforms, acoustic recording systems, underwater camera systems, autonomous underwater vessels, and autonomous surface vessels. Operational environments include on and under the ice and water, in the Great Lakes and inland waterways and bodies. In addition to engineering duties, the position will require shop supervision of mechanical/electrical personnel. Successful candidates will show evidence of technical expertise, innovation, project planning and scheduling, personnel supervision, following budgets, and electrical/software troubleshooting. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in electrical engineering, or similar field, including control systems, data acquisition systems, sensing systems, programming/coding, autonomous systems, and knowledge of the marine environment. Demonstrated involvement in interdisciplinary projects and project management is desired. Industry experience is also desirable. Candidates should be self-starters and motivated, with experience leading teams and organizing teams with multiple priorities and deadlines. Project management and engineering responsibilities for this position will be split approximately 60% engineering and 40% project management. | Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned) | 1. Provide electrical engineering services for ongoing and new projects in marine engineering applications, including duties with design, control system programming, data transfer protocols, sensing systems, power systems (including solar), wiring and connectors, and vessel electronics. 2. Provide electrical engineering support for autonomous underwater and surface vehicles. 3. Manage all active electrical/mechanical shop projects to ensure project goals are met on-time and on-budget. 4. Lead personnel and project scheduling, progress reporting, and budget tracking. 5. Provide exceptional customer support for principal investigators. 6. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work. 7. Contribute to research plan and budget development, including timeline and cost estimating. 8. Travel as necessary to support in-field scientific equipment troubleshooting, maintenance and repair. 9. Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned. | Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements) | M.S. in electrical engineering, or similar field, with 3+ years of work experience including project management experience, or a B.S. in electrical engineering, or similar field, with 5+ years of work experience including project management experience. | Required Experience (minimum requirements) | * Experience managing multiple, simultaneous projects and personnel. * Experience working on projects involving sensing systems. | Desirable Education and/or Experience | * M.S. or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, or similar field. * 5+ years of post-graduation experience. * Demonstrated basic mechanical and electrical fabrication skills; electrical and electronics skills; trouble-shooting and repair of equipment. | Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities (minimum requirements) | * Demonstration of leadership in team-based engineering. * Outstanding customer service. * Possess a valid driver's license and ability to operate small marine craft. * Willingness and ability to travel domestically and to Canada, and work non-traditional hours to meet deadlines. * Exceptional organizational skills. * Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills. * Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations. * Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures manuals. * Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse group of individuals. * Demonstrated ability to solve problems and make decisions with limited supervision. | Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities | * Experience with marine sensing platforms and engineering systems. * Experience with autonomous vehicle systems. * Experience working on the water in boats and around docks. * Ability to participate in ITAR regulated research. * Management experience. * Industry experience in the areas of interest, or similar areas. * Experience working on boat electronics and engines. * Experience acting at a project lead or principal investigator. | Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment | Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 3 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
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. | Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%) | 1.0 | FLSA Status | Exempt | Appointment Term | 12 months | Pay Rate/Salary | Negotiable Based on Experience and Qualifications | Title of Position Supervisor | Director, Great Lakes Research Center | Posting Type | Internal & External |
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