Undergraduate Research Assistant Engineering Tech

Job Title

Undergraduate Research Assistant Engineering Tech

Department

Engineering Technology Department JM

Worker Type

Student (Fixed Term)

Pay Information

For hourly student pay rates, please visit the Student Job Classification page on the Office of Human Resources website. For salaried student positions, contact the department for pay information.

Duration of Appointment

1 year

Maximum Scheduled Weekly Hours

1

Job Description Summary

The Engineering Technology Department is seeking a motivated undergraduate student to join our research team as a paid undergraduate research assistant. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the forefront of Smart Manufacturing by helping to construct and develop digital twins, utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) and virtual commissioning technologies.

Selected candidates will work directly with faculty mentors and graduate students on active research projects. You will be involved in the entire digital twin workflow, from 3D scanning real-world environments and equipment to creating detailed CAD models and implementing connectivity for real-time data integration.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

• Environment Scanning: Operate 3D scanning technologies to capture detailed point cloud data of physical assets and lab facilities. You will then process this data for use in CAD and digital twin platforms.
• CAD Model Development: Create and refine accurate 3D CAD models from scanned data and existing engineering drawings. You will help develop and maintain the foundational CAD backbone of the digital twin, ensuring model accuracy and integrity.
• VR/AR Visualization: Develop immersive 3D renderings and interactive visualizations for use in VR and AR applications, allowing users to experience the digital twin in a virtual environment.
• System Integration & Testing: Integrate digital twin models with real-time data streams from IoT sensors. You will also implement and execute virtual commissioning simulations to test and validate control software and automation processes before physical deployment.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related undergraduate program.
• Completed introductory coursework in CAD/3D modeling.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive, hands-on approach to learning.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Coursework or project experience in 3D modeling, computer graphics, or VR/AR development.
• Basic programming experience in Python, C++, or C#.
• Familiarity with electronics, sensors, or microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi).