Research Engineer III

Michigan Technological University; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Technological University seeks a Research Engineer III for the Advanced Power Systems Research Center (APSRC). The role involves leading technical tasks, mentoring junior staff and students, and delivering publications and conference presentations.

Oriented toward funding and proposals, the position includes project management, budget oversight, and client interactions with partners. A strong background in engineering R&D and communication is essential.

Qualifications

• 6–12 years of related work experience prior to Senior/lead entry.
• MS or PhD in a related field is preferred.
• Licensed Professional Engineer is desirable.
• Experience teaching is a plus.
• Lean and Six-Sigma training and application are beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Balance multiple projects and drive progress.
• Stay current with technologies and trends in APSRC.
• Provide technical mentorship to staff and students.
• Prepare and co-author technical publications.
• Present at professional conferences and reviews.
• Lead sub-parts of projects and manage budgets.

Skills

Project management

Public speaking

Technical writing

Budgeting

Mentorship

Customer service

Proposal development

Sales support

Education

MS or PhD preferred

Licensed Professional Engineer

Tools

PowerPoint

Job description

Job No: 26167

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 3 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.

The Research Engineer III 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).

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

• 1. Balance multiple projects while personally contribute to project progress by applying cumulative knowledge.
• 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 III’s working in Vertical groups will have increased responsibility for securing funding, including:
  • a. Architecting and Lead Authoring proposals
  • b. Developing price quotes
  • c. Building & Maintaining business relationships
  • d. Lead and represent APSRC in a sales type setting as required.
• 8. Project Management
• 9. Leading sub-parts of large projects, and being the PI on small projects.
• 10. Developing presentations and presenting results to partners and customers.
• 11. Maintaining and working within budget on a sub-part of a large project overall on a small project.

Required Experience

• 6 -12 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
• Experience creating and following budgets
• Technical and non-technical problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to establish a plan to address scientific or technical issues
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of engineering research & development activities (hypothesis, concept, design, simulation, analysis, fabrication, experimentation)
• Excellent written communication including PowerPoint and authoring technical publications
• Excellent public speaking including delivering technical presentations
• Excellent customer service skills
• Demonstr