Research Engineer II

Michigan Technological University; Atlantic Mine (MI); On-site; USD 83,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a Research Engineer II for the Advanced Power Systems Research Center. The role focuses on balancing multiple projects, applying evolving technologies, and mentoring junior staff and students to advance research initiatives.

The position requires a BS degree with 4–6 years of related experience, strong communication skills, and willingness to travel. It emphasizes publishing results, presenting at conferences, and contributing to funding strategies.

Qualifications

• BS degree required with 4–6 years of related work history for entry into level.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering research and development activities from hypothesis to fabrication.
• Excellent written communication including PowerPoint and technical publications.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours when needed.

Responsibilities

• Balance multiple projects and contribute to project progress on time and budget.
• Stay current with technologies and trends related to APSRC mission.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior staff and students.
• Author and co-author technical publications.
• Attend and present at professional conferences.
• Lead tasks within projects and develop proposals and quotes for funding.

Skills

Technical knowledge

Project management

Public speaking

Mentorship

Education

BS Degree

Tools

PowerPoint

Publications

Job description

Ensured Consideration Date: September 30, 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 II, for our Advanced Power Systems 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.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Balance multiple projects while personally contributing to project progress by applying cumulative knowledge, on time and on budget.
2. Stay abreast of the latest technologies, trends, and methods in technology areas related to the APSRC mission.
3. Provide Technical Expertise and technical mentorship to junior staff and students.
4. Author and Co-Author technical publications.
5. Attend and give technical presentations at professional conferences.
6. Serve on review committees for technical papers and similar within their technical area.
7. The Research Engineer II’s working in Vertical groups will have increased responsibility for securing funding, including:
   • a. Contributing to the technical strategy
   • b. Collecting & developing sub-elements of proposals and quotes
   • c. Represent APSRC in a sales type setting as required
8. Developing presentations and presenting results to partners and customers
9. Leading tasks within projects

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• BS Degree

Required Experience

• 4 – 6 yrs 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
• Lean & 6-sigma training and application

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 knowledge of the product development cycle used in industry.
• Excellent written communication including PowerPoint and authoring technical publications
• Excellent public speaking including delivering technical presentations
• Demonstrated initiative in tackling challenges and a hunger for more
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in at least one scientific and technical area
• Ability and willingness to travel
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours on occasion, when needed
• Demonstrated ability to work independently without daily interaction with direct supervisor
• Demonstrated ability to make technical decisions
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

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

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee may occasionally be required to lift up to 50lbf.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low tomoderate, 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

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.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) %

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

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Pay Rate/Salary

The anticipated salary range for this position is $83 - $110,000; however, the final salary is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Manager

Posting Type

Internal and External

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 30, 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 HumanResources 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 safetyand disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policiesand fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. MichiganTech 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 drug-free 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, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.

Advertised: 23 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time