Undergraduate Research Assistant Engineering Tech

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Oxford (OH); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking an Undergraduate Research Assistant for the Engineering Technology Department. This position will offer a student the chance to gain hands-on experience in Smart Manufacturing, working on developing digital twins with faculty mentors and graduate researchers.

Responsibilities include 3D scanning, CAD modeling, and creating visualizations for VR and AR applications, making this a unique opportunity for a student in Engineering Technology.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in Engineering Technology or a related field.
• Involvement in 3D modeling or CAD strongly desired.
• Must demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate 3D scanning technologies for environment capturing.
• Create and refine detailed 3D CAD models.
• Develop 3D renderings for VR and AR applications.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

3D modeling

VR/AR development

Basic programming in Python, C++, or C#

Education

Enrolled in Engineering Technology or Mechanical Engineering

Completed introductory coursework in CAD/3D modeling

Job description

Job Title

Undergraduate Research Assistant Engineering Tech

Department

Engineering Technology Department JM

Worker Type

Student (Fixed Term)

Pay Information

For hourly student pay rates, please visit the Student Job Classification page on the Office of HumanResources website. For salaried student positions, contact the department for pay information.

Duration of Appointment

1 year

Maximum Scheduled Weekly Hours

1

Job Description Summary

The Engineering Technology Department is seeking a motivated undergraduate student to join our research team as a paid undergraduate research assistant. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience at the forefront of Smart Manufacturing by helping to construct and develop digital twins, utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) and virtual commissioning technologies.

Selected candidates will work directly with faculty mentors and graduate students on active research projects. You will be involved in the entire digital twin workflow, from 3D scanning real‑world environments and equipment to creating detailed CAD models and implementing connectivity for real‑time data integration.

Responsibilities

• Environment Scanning: Operate 3D scanning technologies to capture detailed point cloud data of physical assets and lab facilities. Process this data for use in CAD and digital twin platforms.
• CAD Model Development: Create and refine accurate 3D CAD models from scanned data and existing engineering drawings. Help develop and maintain the foundational CAD backbone of the digital twin, ensuring model accuracy and integrity.
• VR/AR Visualization: Develop immersive 3D renderings and interactive visualizations for use in VR and AR applications, allowing users to experience the digital twin in a virtual environment.
• System Integration & Testing: Integrate digital twin models with real‑time data streams from IoT sensors. Implement and execute virtual commissioning simulations to test and validate control software and automation processes before physical deployment.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related undergraduate program.
• Completed introductory coursework in CAD/3D modeling.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a proactive, hands‑on approach to learning.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Coursework or project experience in 3D modeling, computer graphics, or VR/AR development.
• Basic programming experience in Python, C++, or C#.
• Familiarity with electronics, sensors, or microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi).

Equal Opportunity / Affir​ma​tive Action Statement

Miami University, an Equal Opportunity / Affir​ma​tive Action employer, encourages applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination, and retaliation on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex / gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADA Faculty Staff or the university office.

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Labor Law Posters for Applicants

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