Research Engineer I

Michigan Technological University; Houghton (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Technological University seeks a Research Engineer I for the Advanced Power Systems Research Center (APSRC). The role involves executing tasks in alignment with customer needs or in a supporting capacity within matrix teams.

The position carries full-time employment with an entry point for early career professionals. The incumbent will engage in ongoing research activities, publish technical work, and travel as required by project needs.

Qualifications

• 0-5 years of related work history for entry into level.
• Desirable includes additional degree beyond minimum; BS in a different discipline or MS or PhD (preferred).
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) is desirable.
• Experience teaching is desirable.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work flexible hours when needed.

Responsibilities

• Balance multiple projects while contributing to progress by completing assigned tasks.
• Support status updates and final reports and presentations through development of content.
• Support proposal and quote development through assigned content.
• Stay abreast of latest technologies, trends, and methods related to APSRC mission.
• Author and Co-Author technical publications.
• Attend Professional Conferences.

Skills

0-5 years experience

Research experience

Job description

Job No: 26165
Department: Advanced Power Sys Rsch Ctr (APSRC)
Work Type: Staff - Full Time
Location: Advanced Power Systems Research Center (Near Houghton County Airport)
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Categories: Research
Applications Close:

Ensured Consideration Date:September 29, 2026

Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.

The area’s waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.

Summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a Research Engineer I, for our Advanced Power System Research Center. The Advanced Power Systems Research Center (APSRC) is organized into a matrix structure with vertical teams organized around technical areas of revenue generation, and horizontal teams organized around support function. Both the vertical and horizontal groups are staffed by Research Professionals. The Research Engineer I executes a variety of tasks (as described below) either in direct alignment with the customer (when in a vertically oriented group), or in a supporting role (when in a horizontally oriented group).

• Balance multiple projects while personally contributing to project progress by completing assigned tasks
• Support status updates and final reports and presentations through development of assigned content
• Support proposal and quote development through assigned content
• Stay abreast of the latest technologies, trends, and methods in technology areas related to the APSRC mission
• Author and Co-Author technical publications
• Attend Professional Conferences

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Required Experience

• 0-5 years of related work history for entry into level

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Additional degree beyond minimum requirement; additional BS in a different discipline or MS or PhD (preferred)
• Additional years of professional experience beyond minimum requirement
• Licensed Professional Engineer
• Experience Teaching

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Technical and non-technical problem solving skills
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of engineering research & development activities (hypothesis, concept, design, simulation, analysis, fabrication, experimentation)
• Demonstrated initiative in tackling challenges and a hunger for more
• Ability and willingness to travel
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours on occasion, when needed

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Experience working on research projects with at least a CUI security clearance

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

• The employee may occasionally be required to lift up to 50 lbf.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate, but can be high for short periods of time in the shop. Hearing protection is provided when noise levels are high.
• The employee may occasionally be required to travel.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

• Employee Safety Overview
• Annual Data Security Training
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation 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.

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

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

The anticipated salary range for this position is70,000 - $80,850; However, the final salary is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Manager

Posting Type

Internal & External Posting

Dependent on Funding

Yes

Additional Information

This position is contingent upon the continued availability of external funding. Full ensured consideration will be given to applicants who apply on or before September 29, 2026.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed 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.

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or [e-mail].

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.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. Michigan Tech will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the Michigan Tech Public Safety.

In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and its implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 86), Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a drugfree campus environment and actively promoting the health and safety of its community. Find our notice that outlines the University's policies, legal sanctions, health risks, and available support resources related to the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.

Advertised: 23 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications Close:

• Advanced Power Systems Research Center (Near Houghton County Airport) 1

Categories

• Research 1

Michigan Technological University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex and gender. Michigan Tech also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. Reports of misconduct, questions regarding Title IX , and concerns about noncompliance should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator . For a complete copy of the policy or more information, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office of Civil Rights (OCR).