Research Engineer

University of North Dakota; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 71,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC), a nonprofit arm of the University of North Dakota, invites a Research Engineer to advance energy production and environmental sustainability. Based on our Grand Forks campus, you will join a collaborative team translating research into practical solutions and supporting ongoing projects.

Responsibilities include conducting technical work across energy systems, managing tasks to meet objectives on time and on budget, communicating with internal

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or closely related field.
• Experience with energy industrial processes and/or scientific research.
• Experience conducting technical research in a laboratory or pilot plant facility.
• Criminal History Background Check is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical work related to energy production and related systems.
• Manage tasks to meet project objectives on time and on budget.
• Communicate with EERC groups, leadership, and clients on project status and issues.
• Prepare technical reports, conference papers, and peer‑reviewed journal articles; deliver presentations.
• Some travel may be required.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Adaptability

Technical literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Graduate degree in engineering

Tools

Excel

Databases

Technical drawing software

Job description

Salary/Position Classification

• 71,300-100,000 annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position

Are you ready to drive innovation in energy production and environmental sustainability? Do you have the skills to translate research into real-world solutions? We’re looking for a Research Engineer to join our dynamic team at the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC)!

Join the EERC, an international leader in energy and environmental research and a nonprofit branch of the University of North Dakota (UND), which gives our employees access to unbeatable benefits and tuition waivers. Learn more about the EERC at undeerc.org.

Be a part of cutting-edge research, engage with professionals who share your passion, and create work you can be proud of. As a Research Engineer, you will contribute to the success of the organization by performing one or more of the following:

• Conduct technical work related to energy production, alternative energy systems, and/or natural resource systems related to energy that could integrate the following components: theoretical/laboratory testing, equipment design, pilot/field demonstrations, engineering designs, regulatory policies, economics, and markets.
• Manage and execute tasks in a manner to successfully complete project objectives on time and on budget within client expectations.
• Effectively and professionally communicate with all EERC groups (e.g., Leadership, technical teams, support staff, etc.). Effectively and professionally communicate with EERC management and clients as pertinent on project status, progress, and any issues/solutions.
• Effectively and professionally communicate with clients outside the EERC, including assisting with proposal preparation and reporting to assure that client goals are accurately described and addressed.
• Interpret data to address the overall goals of clients, including discussions with clients to achieve their goals as closely as possible.
• Maintain a high level of technical knowledge in a pertinent field.
• Work in strong collaboration with EERC subject matter experts, principal investigators, and EERC Leadership to assist in proposal preparation and to develop and pursue new business opportunities.
• Adhere to and promote EERC core values, mission, policies, and standard operating practices. Work safely and promote a culture of safety.
• Successful candidates would also be expected to assist in the preparation of technical reports, conference papers, and peer-reviewed journal articles and deliver technical presentations internally and externally.
• Some travel is required.

The EERC is recognized as a global leader in developing clean, efficient energy solutions. With a dedicated team, we collaboratively develop innovative technologies to power the world efficiently while safeguarding our air, water, and soil. Trusted by over 1300 clients in 53 countries, our mission is to provide practical, pioneering solutions to the world’s energy and environmental challenges.

Required Competencies

• Excellent oral/written communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective at project/task/personnel management in area of expertise.
• High degree of self-reliance and ability to take initiative to execute complicated tasks.
• Knowledgeable and willingness to learn about new technical areas and technologies.
• Strong adaptability and organizational skills.
• Computer literate, such as word processing, databases, spreadsheets, technical drawing software, etc.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (e.g., chemical, mechanical, petroleum, geological) or closely related field.
• Experience with energy industrial processes and/or scientific research.
• Experience conducting technical research in a laboratory or pilot plant facility for academia or industry.
• Experience reviewing and summarizing technical reports or articles.
• Applicants may be required to present to the interviewers during the interview process.
• Cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identityand eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in engineering (e.g., chemical, mechanical, petroleum, geological) or closely related field.
• 2 years of energy industry, scientific research, and/or project management experience.
• Experience with each of the following:
• Experience working on U.S. federally funded projects.
• Experience leading/managing technical tasks, projects, budgets, and/or teams.
• Experience writing technical reports, papers, and/or proposals.
• Proficiency and experience with one or more of the following: applied statistics, economics, data processing and analysis, data management and data management systems, modeling, and simulation of engineering design-based systems.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by September 1, 2026.