Human Resources

Summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a Sr. Research Technician for our Advanced Power Systems Research Center (APSRC). The Advanced Power Systems Research Institute (APS LABS) Senior Research Associate is expected to synthesize and generalize their extensive knowledge and experience to develop creative solutions to a wide variety of sponsored R&D and teaching projects. Tasks may vary widely depending on current projects and priorities.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Analyze and interpret open-ended project needs, conceptualize solutions, and formulate work plans for solutions.
2. Execute work plans in support of project timelines and engineering needs.
3. Provide input and feedback for component selections and design options.
4. Provide supervision, mentoring, and/or coaching, to undergraduate students, graduate students, and junior staff.
5. Travel as needed (locally or overnight) in support of various research or training project needs.
6. Participate in guided tours.
7. Maintain shop and laboratory areas including organizing tools and equipment
8. Set a positive example for all customers, staff, and students by developing and enforcing safety and operating protocols, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, and conducting themselves in a professional manner.
9. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
10. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
11. Other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Associate degree in an Engineering, Science, Technology, or Manufacturing field (or equivalent educational and work experience)

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 years professional experience working in areas directly related to the expected job tasks, with breadth of knowledge in vehicle systems and significant depth in at least one area directly related to the job tasks
• Minimum 2 years (can be concurrent) of professional experience in the maintenance and repair of on-road or off-road vehicles
• Minimum 2 years (can be concurrent) of professional experience in fabrication

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Prior experience working in an engineering or research environment
• Repair & Maintenance of non-vehicle-based research assets including solar and other alternative energy components, laboratory equipment, etc.
• Plumbing, wiring, and fixturing required to support systems including fuel, coolant, oil, air, etc.
• Installation of sensors and other preparations for experimental testing
• Troubleshooting of complex mechanical and electrical systems
• Maintenance of light duty vehicles, heavy duty on-road, and off-road vehicles
• Demonstrated proficiency in specifying and assembling common plumbing fittings including NPT, JIC, SAE O-Ring, and Compression
• Minor and major repair of light duty, heavy duty, and off-road vehicles
• Demonstrated proficiency in reading / interpreting blueprints and engineering drawings
• Demonstrated proficiency in basic machining operations
• Demonstrated proficiency in basic welding operations
• Demonstrated proficiency in plasma and torch cutting
• Demonstrated proficiency using precision measuring instruments (i.e., micrometer, bore gauge, etc.)
• Demonstrated proficiency in diagnosing and repairing vehicles (including examples of major engine repair)
• Experience developing new processes to improve efficiency, speed, or quality of workflows
• Evidence of experience in any of the following: o Using a ‘work ticket’ type system or similar electronic work process tracking system
          ○ CAD software
          ○ 3D printing
          ○ CNC machining or cutting o Rigging & load securement
          ○ Service, diagnostics, and repair of hydraulic systems
          ○ On-road or off-road vehicle diagnostics and repair o Electrical and / or               electronics setup and fabrication
          ○ Experience driving / operating cars, trucks, off-highway equipment,                   etc.
          ○ Application and / or development of safety specific policies and                         procedures
• Hold additional professional credentials including but not limited to:
          ○ Completion of other postsecondary education credentials (e.g.                            Bachelor’s of Engineering Technology Degree, Vocational Programs,                etc.)
          ○ Professional Certifications (i.e. Welding, Machining, Auto Repair, etc.)
          ○ Professional licensure (CDL, etc.)

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated humility
• Demonstrated initiative in tackling challenges and a hunger for more
• Exceptional Emotional Intelligence
• Demonstrated application of engineering or manufacturing concepts in at least one scientific and technical area
• Demonstrated capability and creativity in problem solving
• Must be self-motivated, able to stay focused, and have good communication skills
• Ability to apply independent judgement in complex situations
• Ability to prioritize tasks, based on project timelines, availability of materials, and other factors
• Ability to receive very high-level direction from project teams and then work independently to accomplish specific tasks Ability to independently calculate or find specifications, procedures, and information using service manuals, internet sources, books, etc.
• Time management with specifics including:
          ○ Ability to self-prioritize and stay on task
          ○ Ability to recognize and meet deadlines
          ○ Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple                        tasks and types of activity
• Ability to work with accuracy and precision with attention to detail
• Ability to work in a team including small working groups as well as large cross functional teams
• Ability to guide and supervise students and/or peers in functional groups
• Ability, and willingness, to learn new technical knowledge and grow professionally as trends in mobility, energy, and power systems change
• Ability to create and maintain highly organized spaces including physical workspace (tools, equipment, etc.) and virtual workspace (i.e. computer files, etc.)
• Oral and written communication skills
• Ability to perform basic operations in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to use an electronic calendar to accept and attend meeting requests from others, and schedule meetings
• Ability to participate in online meetings
• Ability, and willingness, to learn and apply new processes
• Ability, and willingness, to receive performance feedback and modify work practices accordingly

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated proficiency in advanced and/or CNC lathe and mill operations
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

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

Additional training will be required by the department on a periodic basis.

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.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S without sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Must be eligible to obtain United States security clearance should that need arise in the future

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

1st Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

The minimum salary for this position is $66,000. The final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Facilities Manager

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Additional Information

This position is contingent upon the continued availability of external funding.