Undergraduate Research Assistant Engineering Tech

100 Miami University; United States; On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

100 Miami University is seeking a paid Undergraduate Research Assistant to join their Engineering Technology Department. This is an exceptional opportunity to help develop digital twins in Smart Manufacturing, working closely with faculty and graduate students on research projects.

The role involves operating 3D scanning technologies, creating CAD models, and integrating digital twin models with IoT sensor data. Candidates should be enrolled in a relevant engineering program and possess problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.

Resume required for application. Contact: Amy Francko.

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, RaspberryPi).

Responsibilities

• Operate 3D scanning technologies to capture detailed point-cloud data.
• Create accurate 3D CAD models from scanned data and engineering drawings.
• Develop immersive 3D renderings and interactive visualizations for VR/AR.
• Integrate digital twin models with real-time data streams from IoT sensors.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Teamwork skills

Basic programming (Python, C++, C#)

3D modeling

VR/AR development

Education

Currently enrolled in Engineering Technology or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D scanning technologies

CAD software

Job description

Overview

The Engineering Technology Department is seeking a motivated undergraduate student to join our research team as a paid Undergraduate Research Assistant. This unique opportunity will allow you to work at the forefront of Smart Manufacturing, helping to construct and develop digital twins, and utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) and virtual commissioning technologies. Selected candidates will work directly with faculty mentors and graduate students on active research projects, participating in the entire digital twin workflow from 3D scanning to real‑time data integration.

Responsibilities

• Operate 3D scanning technologies to capture detailed point‑cloud data of physical assets and lab facilities, then process this data for use in CAD and digital twin platforms.
• Create and refine accurate 3D CAD models from scanned data and existing engineering drawings, maintaining the foundational CAD backbone of the digital twin.
• Develop immersive 3D renderings and interactive visualizations for VR and AR applications, allowing users to experience the digital twin in a virtual environment.
• Integrate digital twin models with real‑time data streams from IoT sensors and implement 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, RaspberryPi).

Application Materials

Required: Resume. Contact: Amy Francko.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

Miami University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. The 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. Reasonable accommodations for disabilities can be requested at [e-mail] or by calling 513‑529‑3560.