Mechanical Engineer (Research Professional 2-Mechanical Eng)

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 47,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays and time off

Tuition benefit program

Medical and dental plans

Retirement plans

Job summary

The Center for Magnetic Resonance Research at the University of Minnesota seeks an experienced engineer/technician to provide mechanical design, prototyping, testing, and project management support for faculty-led research projects.

Your role includes 3D printing management, mechanical design, shop supervision, MRI peripheral equipment installation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration with RF engineers. Most work is on-site in Saint Paul, MN.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in engineering plus ≥2 years of experience or ≥6 years combined education/experience.
• Experience with 3D CAD software.
• Previous research engineering experience.
• Ability to work in and around strong magnetic fields.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• 3D printing and printer management for research projects, maintenance, and education of investigators.
• Mechanical design for research needs and magnet environment integration.
• Electrical and machine shop management including tool ordering and training.
• MRI peripheral equipment installation, integration, testing, and maintenance.
• Research engineering project management and supervising 1–3 student engineers.

Skills

3D CAD software

Research engineering experience

Strong written and verbal comms

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

BA/BS in Engineering

2+ years experience or 6+ years total

Tools

MRI systems

Job description

About the Job

The Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) is seeking an experienced driven individual who is eager to join our team of engineers supporting a variety of research projects. While this position has a mechanical engineering focus, we are seeking a well‑rounded engineer or technician who can contribute where needed, is eager to solve research problems, is a team player, and provide overall engineering project management support. Primary responsibility of this position is to provide mechanical engineering design, development, prototyping, testing, and evaluation solutions in support of faculty‑led research projects. Additional responsibilities include management of our electrical and fabrication labs, 3D printing and printer maintenance, CAD design, and MRI system peripheral equipment installation and integration. This position supports the CMRR research faculty, the general needs of the Center, and works in collaboration with fellow engineers. The role requires someone who possesses great communication and time‑management skills alongside technical and problem‑solving skills.

Work Arrangement: The position is expected to work primarily on‑site. Your work location will be The Center for Magnetic Resonance Research at the University of Minnesota. The Department retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Responsibilities

3D printing and printer management (30%)

• Work with investigators to develop, prototype, and fabricate 3D printed solutions to support the needs of their specific research projects
• Serve as subject matter expert
• Maintain and manage the print queue across several printers
• Perform regular maintenance on the various printers and laser cutters
• Repair equipment
• Maintain materials stock such as filament, resin, powders, and acrylic sheets
• Support and educate investigators about 3D printing feasibility and best practices

Mechanical design (25%)

• Design/develop innovative solutions for research project needs/problems tailored to available manufacturing techniques
• Work with individual researchers to translate the needs of their projects to the magnet environment, including selecting the optimal fabrication techniques.
• Work with investigators, in cooperation with RF engineers, to design coil housings to fit the needs of their specific research projects
• Design magnet accessories (eye tracking mounts, screen holders, etc.) to support the needs of researchers
• Mechanical design for various research project needs including prototype testing, feasibility assessments, troubleshooting, and evaluating/modifying designs

Electrical and machine shop management (20%)

• Keeping research engineering and prototyping electronics and machine shops clean and organized
• Ordering tools and parts for the shops when stocks go low
• Maintaining shop equipment
• Training users on equipment (3D printers, laser cutters, soldering irons, etc.)
• Managing shop access

MRI peripheral equipment installation, integration, and maintenance (15%)

• System design, integration, testing, and modification to meet the specific needs of various research projects
• Documentation of systems for users
• Work with researchers to troubleshoot problems and new use cases as needed
• Maintenance and repair of existing equipment

Research engineering project management (10%)

• Tracking various projects being worked on by research engineering team
• Prioritize projects based on input from leadership
• Providing updates to various stakeholders as needed
• Supervising 1-3 student support engineers

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in an engineering discipline (preferably in mechanical engineering) plus at least two years of experience or a combination of related engineering education and work experience to equal at least 6 years
• Experience with 3D CAD software
• Previous research engineering experience
• Ability to work in and around strong magnetic fields
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organization skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a fabrication environment (Maker Space, R&D Lab or Shop)
• Experience with MRI systems and support
• Project management experience

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $34.00 - $43.00/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022‑2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.