Engineer III

Position Title:
Engineer III

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• 15+ years of industry experience
• Experience assessing, developing, and implementing change within manufacturing businesses
• Experience developing and presenting complex topics to various levels within a business
• Experience leading, influencing and motivating diverse groups to meet objectives
• Experience implementing SMART manufacturing technologies (IoT, MES, ERP, etc.) within manufacturing businesses.

Job Description:

Summary

The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University is seeking an Engineer III responsible for developing relationships with manufacturing leaders, assessing the current state of their manufacturing operations, and assisting in developing and implementing detailed plans to provide significant improvements in productivity through continuous improvement, process engineering and SMART technology adoption.

The successful candidate will possess demonstrated excellence across a broad set of experiences in the manufacturing industry with a focus on implementing and managing SMART manufacturing technologies within manufacturing businesses. Critical skills include process engineering within manufacturing businesses; relationship building; broad business and manufacturing knowledge; excellent verbal and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; exceptional critical thinking, analytic and problem-solving skills; ability to deal with ambiguity; and strong time management skills. All staff members are expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.

This is a fixed term position, with expectation for renewal based on availability of funding. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.  

Example of Duties

• Serve as a consultant to manufacturing business stakeholders, understanding their business needs, providing technical information and process engineering recommendations, and demonstrating cost-savings of SMART manufacturing technologies.

• Conduct SMART manufacturing assessments to identify areas of improvement at Iowa manufacturing businesses.

• Assist manufacturers with complex project specification development, conduct risk reduction activities, and provide technology implementation guidance.

• Host training sessions and awareness events focused on SMART manufacturing fundamentals, in partnership with technology providers and industry associations.

Level Guidelines
• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals
• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff
• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

June 30, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS811

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Why Choose ISU? Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as: • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans • Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) • Life insurance and long-term disability • Flexible Spending Accounts • Various voluntary benefits and discounts • Employee Assistance Program • Wellbeing program • This job may also be eligible for flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours and a hybrid working environment.

Original Posting Date:
January 31, 2024

Posting Close Date:
February 25, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R13878