Mechanical Engineer I, Missouri Institute of Defense and Energy

Hiring Department

The Missouri Institute of Defense and Energy (MIDE) in the Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSIN) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).

The Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is a fast- growing research institute founded to solve real-world problems by synthesizing physics and engineering principals with a pragmatic, results-driven and collaborative philosophy. Whether it’s restoring health and wellness in the urban food-desert or developing state-of-the-art anti-drone technologies to protect our cities or troops, we’re on it.

The team is growing and we have an outstanding opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer-I. You would work with us in solving wicked challenges in defense, energy, and health by transitioning fundamental solutions requires a team of highly specialized, knowledgeable, and passionate individuals who seek answers to hard questions in a collaborative environment with world-class research organizations from coast-to-coast.

For more information about the history of MIDE and our diverse team, check out our website: www.umkc.edu/mide/

Job Description

MIDE is seeking a Mechanical Engineer-I who has some experience in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), UAS design and fabrication, and UAS policies and regulations. Additional experience with fixed wing UAS, payload integration, wiring, and field operations is preferred.

The ideal team member will demonstrate:

• a passion for solving high-impact, real-world problems;
• the ability to operate in agile and dynamic working environments as a core team player and independent individual.
• a willingness to mentor and assist other staff or students.
• an ability to manage small teams, work with project sponsors, and coordinate efforts between groups.
• familiarity with UAS, Ardupilot/PX4 flight stacks, UAS design, and UAS flight testing.
• familiarity with UAS regulations (Part 107, new Part 108 proposed rules, COAs, etc.).
• a curiosity, openness, and willingness to learn new skills, methods, systems, and technologies.
• effective verbal and written communication skills to inform and guide team-members; and,
• excellent organizational skills to prioritize and execute on both long-term and short parallel assignments.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

• Act as one of the UAS pilots and UAS pilot trainers for fixed wing and multirotor UAS.
• Mentor a limited number of graduate and undergraduate students in UAS design, fabrication, and testing research to support government customers.
• Design, fabricate, and test UAS and robotics-related systems in support of government contracts.
• Documentation including but not limited to technical reports and briefings as required.
• Work and communicate well within one or more teams.
• Strong communication, both verbal and written, and organizational/time-management skills.
• Manage, develop, and coordinate UAS exemption, COAs, etc., with the FAA in support of Group 2 and 3 UAS operations.
• Interface with multiple engineering and non-engineering cross-functional team members.

NOTE: This position is 100% grant funded and contingent on continued funding.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a United States security clearance.
• UAS Part 107 remote pilot certification.

Preferred Qualifications

Strongly preferred qualifications:

• A Masters degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related field.

Preferred qualifications:

• Leading or participating on student design team(s) at the university level pertinent to mechanical/aerospace engineering.
• FAA Private Pilot license.
• Experience in Department of Defense UAS/aviation research and development contracts.