Research Engineer 2

Department
 

PSD Engineering and Technical Support Group

About the Department
 

The Engineering and Technical Support Group (ETSG) provides engineering and technical support to the University research groups and assists the University’s educational mission by providing technical assistance and enabling learning opportunities for students. Projects that the group is currently working on include particle detectors, astronomical telescopes, synchrotron light source beamlines, and high-altitude balloon gondolas. The ETSG is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive climate which encourages teamwork, open communication, and sharing of ideas.

Job Summary
 

This position supports the research mission of the Physical Sciences Division at The University of Chicago by providing a wide and flexible range of services to research groups including mechanical design, analysis, part and material sourcing, technical coordination, and project management. The position also supports the Division’s teaching mission by helping students and postdocs with the engineering work encountered in their projects. Performs common tasks independently and assists faculty and senior staff with more complex tasks. This position is eligible for a partially remote work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Leverages specialized expertise to provide technical and administrative support for research projects.

• Oversees and participates in the procurement of parts and materials.

• Uses solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles to develop and design new mechanical systems. Analyzes designs to establish expected performance characteristics.

• Manages and tracks effort in accordance with project commitments and priorities.

• Directs and contributes to the documentation of technical work including formal drawings, reports, etc.

• Advises on the procurement and usage of 3d printers and other rapid-fabrication equipment.

• Develops CAD models and drawings of specialized research apparatus.

• Performs thermal and mechanical engineering analysis.

• Develops bill of materials.

• Organizes the effort to construct and install new research apparatus.

• Works with University and/or outside shops as necessary to determine best methods for fabrication.

• Coordinates other University staff (e.g. safety, facilities, IT) as needed.

• Works collaboratively with other ETSG staff.

• Assists with installing, set up, and performing research experiments, interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.

• Establishes and maintains respectful and professional working relationships within a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students at the University, as well as with business partners and collaborating research groups around the world.

• Works safely and in accordance with the University safety policies.

• With a moderate level of guidance, researches, designs and evaluates a variety of mechanical processes and machinery.

• Conducts engineering studies and assigns work to technical staff. Builds knowledge of the organization, processes, and customers. Plans own resources effectively to ensure projects are delivered on time, to standard and to budget.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:        

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.

Experience:       

• 5 years design of mechanical and/or electromechanical systems.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of commercial 3d CAD software.

• Working knowledge of finite element analysis software.

• Working knowledge of project management software.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.

• Demonstrated excellent communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to interact with a diverse workforce.

• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.

Working Conditions

• Office setting – 70%.

• Laboratory setting – 30%.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

• References (3) (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.