Human Resources

Research Associate

Apply now Job No: 24167
Department: Advanced Power Sys Rsch Ctr (APSRC)
Work Type: Staff - Full Time
Location: Off Campus
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Categories: Engineering, Research, Skilled Trades, Technology

Department: Advanced Power Systems Research Center (APSRC)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.  

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations to apply for employment, or for an interview, at Michigan Technological University, please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or humanresources@mtu.edu.

Job Description Summary

Develop, instrument, set up, execute, track, and document vehicle testing through data collection, interpreting, and reporting results using a multitude of sensors, instruments, and controllers for applications including propulsion, drivability, safety, ADAS, and connected & automated vehicles (CAVs).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

  1. Work independently and collaboratively on project execution from concept to completion.
  2. Work collaboratively with other team members and external partners:
    a. Work with test and development engineers in setup, planning, and conducting testing.
    b. Collaborate in cross-functional teams, including design development, and test engineers, drivers, and other technicians to address issues and implement solutions.
  3.  Other Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:
    a. Develop test plans and protocols for evaluating vehicle performance, safety, and functionality.
    b. Instrumentation and setup of test vehicles including CAN data acquisition and auxiliary sensors.
    c. Setup and operation of robotic soft targets.
    d. Conduct various tests, including closed track and road tests to assess vehicle performance and safety under different conditions.
    e. Interpret and analyze test data to identify trends and anomalies in vehicle performance.
    f. Maintain test equipment and facilities to ensure accuracy, reliability, and safety in testing procedures.
    g. Document test procedures, results, and findings in detailed reports for internal and external review.
    h. Manage data collected in electronic formats to networked drives and cloud storage.
    i. Stay current with industry standards, regulations, and advancements in automotive technology to inform testing practices and procedures.
    j. Train and oversee drivers.
    k. Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including management and external partners to coordinate testing activities and ensure alignment with project goals and timelines.
    l. Continuously seek opportunities to optimize testing processes, reduce costs/timing, and enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of vehicle testing and validation efforts.
  4. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives. 
  5. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements)

  • Vocational training or an associate degree in Automotive Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field or equivalent on-the-job experience.

Required Experience (minimum requirements)

  • 3 years of experience working in the field of automotive testing or in a related professional position.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

Additional education, skills, and experience beyond the minimum required are valued in the candidate. Additional education and experience can take many forms, some examples may include:

  1.  Education:
    a. Professional certifications (e.g. certified auto mechanic, welder, etc.)
    b. Professional licenses (e.g. Commercial Driver’s License)
    c. Verifiable professional development training in a directly applicable topic
    d. Professional Drivers Training
  2. Experience:
    a. Experience in the operation and management of EV charging and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment including Fast DC Charging
    b. Additional years of experience beyond the minimum required.
    c. Synergistic professional experience (e.g. mechanic, truck driver, fabricator, electronics/instrument tech, etc.)
    d. Vehicle Calibration

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

  • Maintain highly organized physical and virtual work areas.
  • Excellent oral communication
  • Thorough documentation of work (results, lessons learned, etc.)
  • Interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to stay on-task and self-prioritize tasks without daily interaction of supervisor
  • Interpreting, analyzing, and summarizing experimental results in Excel or other related tools
  • Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

  • Mechanical fabrication skills; electrical and electronics skills; troubleshooting and repair of equipment.
  • Working knowledge of scripted analysis tools such as Matlab and Python
  • 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. 

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk; sit, talk, or hear; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to climb and balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock, chemical hazards, equipment operating at high temperatures and pressures, and moving mechanical parts.

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:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

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

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

1.0

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Rate/Salary

Negotiable Based on Experience

Title of Position Supervisor

Director, Advanced Power Systems Research Center

Posting Type

Internal & External

Dependent on Funding

Yes

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures* (minimum requirements)

Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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