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MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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"Research Engineer 1"

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Research Engineer 1

Staff

2026-05-10

Type

Full-time, 1 year renewable

Required Qualifications

PhD in relevant field
2+ years research experience
10% international travel
25% domestic travel
Lift up to 50 lbs

Research Areas

Solar-powered agriculture
Water desalination
Embedded systems
Energy technologies
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Research Engineer 1

RESEARCH ENGINEER 1

Mechanical Engineering - K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Center, to help develop innovative hardware solutions addressing global challenges; and play a key technical leadership role within a collaborative team of approximately 30 students and staff, contributing to research in solar-powered agriculture, water desalination, embedded systems, and energy technologies. Will design, prototype, troubleshoot, and field-test bench-scale and pilot-scale mechanical and electromechanical systems. Core responsibilities include developing embedded electronics, power management and data acquisition systems, pumping systems, and custom mechanical testing equipment, as well as preparing prototypes for manufacturing and technology transfer. The role also includes coordinating engineering efforts across multiple projects, establishing technical milestones, mentoring students, and guiding research execution. The engineer will contribute to field installations and testing, analyze experimental data to inform design improvements, and translate findings into practical engineering solutions.

Job Requirements

  • REQUIRED: PhD in a relevant field, a combination of related education and high-level research appropriate to the level of the position may be considered in unusual circumstances; a minimum of two years of related experience in a research environment (which may include experience as a graduate student); ability to travel internationally up to 10% of the time and domestically up to 25% of the time; and ability to handle objects weighing up to 50 lbs, which may involve lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling.

The position is for one year, renewable for subsequent years pending funding and satisfactory performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications are required for this Research Engineer position?

This role requires a PhD in a relevant field (or equivalent education and high-level research experience). Candidates need at least two years of related experience in a research environment, which may include graduate student work. Additional must-haves: ability for 10% international travel, 25% domestic travel, and handling objects up to 50 lbs. View similar research jobs for comparison.

🔧What are the main responsibilities of the Research Engineer 1?

Core duties include designing, prototyping, troubleshooting, and field-testing mechanical and electromechanical systems. Develop embedded electronics, power management, data acquisition, pumping systems, and custom testing equipment. Coordinate projects, set milestones, mentor students, analyze data, and prepare for manufacturing/technology transfer. Contribute to field installations in areas like solar-powered agriculture and water desalination. Tips for thriving in research roles.

🔬What research areas does this GEAR Center role cover?

Focus on innovative hardware for global challenges in solar-powered agriculture, water desalination, embedded systems, and energy technologies. Work in a collaborative team developing bench-scale and pilot-scale prototypes. Ideal for engineers passionate about practical energy technologies and sustainable solutions. Check research jobs for more opportunities.

✈️Is travel required, and what is the employment duration?

Yes, expect up to 10% international and 25% domestic travel for field-testing and installations. The position is for one year, renewable based on funding and performance. No fixed start date specified. Prepare for hands-on work with physical demands like lifting 50 lbs.

🚀How does this role support career growth in research engineering?

Play a key technical leadership role: coordinate efforts, mentor students, guide execution, and translate research into practical solutions. Gain experience in prototyping, data analysis, and technology transfer within a GEAR Center team of ~30. Builds skills for advanced mechanical engineering roles. Excel as a research professional with these strategies.

👥What team environment and skills are emphasized?

Collaborative team of approximately 30 students and staff. Key skills: embedded electronics, power systems, mechanical prototyping, troubleshooting, and project coordination. Strong emphasis on innovation for global challenges. Explore higher ed jobs in engineering.
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