Human Resources

Job Description Summary

The Materials Science and Engineering Department at Michigan Tech is active in government- and industry-sponsored research. This hands-on position will assist researchers in the production, processing, characterization, and testing of metallic materials. In addition, this position will lead and support hands-on laboratory activities with students.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

1. Help produce custom metallic alloys via solidification processing, which includes mold making, metal melting, casting, and post processing such as de-gating, de-risering, and machining. In particular, operation of the electric resistance and induction furnaces is required for research projects and class laboratories.
2. Operate wire electro-discharge machine for fabrication of characterization and mechanical test specimens. This includes knowledge of g-code, sample fixturing, and machine repair.
3. Basic machine building capabilities, including CAD, mechanical and electrical assembly, and training of users.
4. Operation of mechanical test equipment, including tensile and fatigue test machines.

5. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
6. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

7. Other tasks as needed.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements)

 High school diploma

Required Experience (minimum requirements)

1. Relevant experience organizing and coordinating multiple research tasks on multiple projects simultaneously.
2. Ability to work with students in a lab environment to demonstrate and teach metallurgical manufacturing processes.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

1. Some college coursework, particularly in Materials Science and Engineering.
2. Hands-on skills, problem solving ability.

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

1. Strong interpersonal and customer skills.
2. Strong oral and written communication skills.
3. Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
4. Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to solve problems.
5. Demonstrated ability to plan ahead, manage timelines, and meet deadlines.
6. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
7. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse students, faculty, and staff.

8. Ability to effectively work with people of diverse backgrounds
9. Demonstrated ability to think creatively to efficiently arrive at desired outcomes

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

1. Knowledge of Michigan Tech policies, procedures, and personnel.
2. Experience working in a research environment.

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. **

Language, Mathematics and/or Reasoning Skills

 CAD and g-code skills.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

This position may require travel; may require long workdays; may require evening and weekend
work to meet deadlines; and requires ability to lift in excess of 25 lbs.
Located in Houghton, in the heart of Upper Michigan’s scenic Keweenaw Peninsula, the university is just a few miles from Lake Superior. The surrounding area is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities throughout the year. Remote work is a possibility.

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:

The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. Visa sponsorship is unavailable at this time. This is not an E-Verified Position.

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

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

Negotiable, No less than $36,000

Title of Position Supervisor

Department Chair

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Additional Information