NETL - Undergraduate Research Assistant

University of Texas; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering seeks an Undergraduate Research Assistant to support data acquisition for the TRIGA reactor and help develop, build, test, and install equipment for the Digital Twin project. The URA will install neutron detectors and work with faculty and other students on hands‑on research at the Pickle Research Campus.

Ideal candidates have SolidWorks experience, comfort with heavy machinery, a strong GPA, and good communication.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate student with 3+ semesters completed.
• Experience using SolidWorks.
• Comfortable working with minor oversight.
• B+ or higher GPA.
• Able to regularly travel to and work at NETL facility at J.J. Pickle Research Campus, North Austin.
• Comfortable with heavy machinery and power tools.
• Capable of lifting heavy equipment up to ~40 lbs.
• Works in a controlled radiation facility environment.

Responsibilities

• Designing mechanical components to support installation of miniature fission detectors.
• Selecting and working with vendors and contractors.
• Building, testing, and installing mechanical and electrical hardware.
• Machining simple components as needed.
• Collaborating with faculty, senior researchers, and other students to ensure project completion.

Skills

Strong communication

Self-starter

Ability to travel to NETL facility

Experience with heavy machinery

Education

Undergraduate student with 3+ semesters completed

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Posting Title: NETL - Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hiring Department: Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 10

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2025

Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Job Details: General Notes As a top-10 engineering school, the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. The Nuclear and Radiation Engineering (NRE) area within the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering includes six faculty, along with researchers and students, in the study and application of nuclear and radiation engineering, including imaging, robotics, high-performance computing, reactor design and materials development. The groups provide a supportive community striving to solve the most pressing challenges of the 21st century through world class research, unsurpassed student education, and dedicated service to the community.

The Digital Molten Salt Reactor Initiative (D’MSRI) is a program funded by the state of Texas to develop a long-term research program at UT that centers on the use of digital twins to enable the licensing of innovations for advanced reactors in Texas.

The undergraduate research assistant (URA) will support ongoing research in data acquisition for the TRIGA reactor. The URA will develop, build, and test, and install equipment for the Digital Twin project. The URA will be responsible for equipment that will be used to install neutron detectors. The URA will work closely with faculty, senior researchers, and other students from the University of Texas (UT), providing an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research and develop valuable skills for both academic and professional advancement. The ideal candidate will be a student at UT who has experience in design for manufacturing using SolidWorks and has previously worked with heavy machinery. The ideal candidate will also have experience implementing their designs for industrial use. Finally, the ideal candidate is a self-starter, a good communicator, and drives their work to completion.

What you will learn:

TRIGA operations at NETL Applied research and design work Testing and troubleshooting designs Iterative design process

Responsibilities

• Designing mechanical components to support installation of miniature fission detectors.
• Selecting and working with vendors and contractors.
• Building, testing, and installing mechanical and electrical hardware
• Machining simple components as needed.
• Collaborating with faculty, senior researchers, and other students to ensure the successful completion of the project.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate student with 3+ semester completion
• Experience using SolidWorks
• Comfortable working with minor oversight
• B+ or higher GPA
• Able to regularly travel to and work at the NETL facility located at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in North Austin
• Comfortable working with heavy machinery and power tools
• Comfortable lifting heavy equipment, possibly up to 40 lbs at times.
• Comfortable working in a controlled facility as a radiation worker

Hourly Rate $18 + based on experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with metal such as steel and aluminum.
• Experience selecting materials and designing metallic components.
• Design for manufacturing experience

Working Conditions

• Research lab environment
• Industrial environment (machine rooms)
• Use of manual dexterity
• Work with energized equipment and heavy machinery
• Work is performed in radiation areas

Work Shift

10-20hrs per week, self-scheduled

Employment Eligibility: Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Retirement Plan Eligibility: Students in this position may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement programs.

Background Checks: A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency: The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification: If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify: The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance: Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and Title 9.0, 1983. If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas' flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you'll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world. Looking for a student job? Please see our Student Employment site.

Comments and Inquiries: Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus