"Research Engineer I"

Job Details

Department: MTRI

Summary

Michigan Tech’s Michigan Tech Research Institute (MTRI) is seeking a Research Engineer I to serve as a software developer supporting a variety of scientific and research programs. This position is based at MTRI in Ann Arbor, Michigan (www.mtri.org).

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Design and develop software user interfaces; design methodologies and tool sets; design and conduct tests.
2. Support data management for remote sensing projects through the design and maintenance of scientific databases.
3. Develop software to prototype and evaluate signal processing, remote sensing, and/or machine learning algorithms.
4. Assist with the dissemination of scientific results to external parties via the development of web based software.
5. Assist with defining software objectives by analyzing user requirements, system features, and functionality.
6. Recommend software solutions by comparing pros and cons of custom versus off-the-shelf alternatives.
7. Coordinate requirements and schedules, contribute to team meetings, troubleshoot development and production problems.
8. Develop software documentation and assistance tools.
9. Continue to improve performance by being aware of new technologies and software products, participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, and participating in professional organizations.
10. Accept ownership of, and responsibility for responding to new and varied requests.
11. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
12. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or engineering with computer science experience.

Required Experience

• Strong programming skills with experience in one or more of the following programming languages/software: Python, MATLAB, C++, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of software development tools, including revision control systems.
• Experience with one or more of the following: database design and maintenance, geospatial data processing, web development frameworks, cloud computing, ROS (Robotic Operating System).
• Demonstrated organizational ability and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in team projects.
• Familiarity with Linux or other Unix-based operating system.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Basic knowledge of one or more of the following: signal processing, image processing, geospatial data processing, machine learning, numerical analysis, statistics, robotics, or distributed computing.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams to perform research, solve technical problems, and/or develop software tools.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Ability and willingness to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance, which requires United States citizenship. Obtaining a national security clearance while holding a dual citizenship will not be possible when the foreign country poses a risk to the national security of the United States.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to take direction, but work without continuous oversight.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to significant matters related to job duties.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in team projects.
• Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Holds U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.
• Ability to contribute to competitive grant proposals.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas through symposia, methods documentation, reports, and publications.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:
• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%): 1

FLSA Status: Exempt

Appointment Term: 12 months

Pay Rate/Salary: Salary is negotiable, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor: Research Scientist III

Posting Type: Internal & External

Dependent on Funding: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable):
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter

Full consideration will be given to applicants who apply on or before January 6, 2026.