Job Details

Type: Full-Time
Salary: $80,000 per year (minimum; commensurate with experience and qualifications)
Job No: 25210
Posted: October 15, 2025
Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Work Type: Staff – Full-Time
Category: Research | Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Reports To: Assistant Professor
FLSA Status: Exempt
Appointment Term: 12 Months
Dependent on Funding: Yes
Location: Michigan Technological University
Posting Type: Internal & External

Position Summary

Michigan Technological University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) invites applications for a full-time Engineering Staff position. The successful candidate will support MSE research in production, processing, and characterization of metallic materials, including mechanical and thermo-mechanical testing.

Responsibilities include designing and fabricating test fixtures or systems, assisting in externally sponsored research programs, and maintaining laboratory equipment to ensure high research and instructional standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Support MSE research projects, users, and infrastructure.

• Manage all aspects of funded research projects, including budgeting, planning, execution, data analysis, report preparation, and results presentation.

• Maintain research laboratories, equipment, and instrumentation.

• Provide support for laboratory instruction within the department.

• Participate in and promote continuous improvement initiatives.

• Apply safety standards and best practices in all laboratory activities.

Required Education, Certifications, and Licensures

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering or a related field.

Required Experience

• Minimum four years of experience in metals manufacturing or metals research at a university, national laboratory, or industry.

• Proven experience analyzing, preparing, and reporting research results for publication or technical presentation.

• Hands-on experience with materials fabrication, testing, and characterization techniques, including:

  • Metals casting

  • X-ray diffraction

  • Microscopy

  • Mechanical and thermo-mechanical test systems

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience publishing or presenting research in peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, or scientific forums.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

• Effective collaboration skills with diverse teams of researchers, students, and staff.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to interpret scientific papers, technical protocols, safety standards, and maintenance manuals.

• Willingness and ability to learn and adapt to new procedures and laboratory practices.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Typical laboratory environment with low to moderate noise levels.

• No unusual physical demands associated with this position.

Training and Other Conditions of Employment

All Michigan Tech employees must complete the following mandatory training programs:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Annual Data Security Training

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Training

• Annual Title IX Training

Additional departmental training may be required periodically.

Background Check

All employment offers are contingent upon a successful background check.

Employment Conditions

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States on or before their appointment date and maintain that eligibility without employer sponsorship throughout their employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Employer, providing opportunities for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

For accommodation requests during the hiring process, contact Human Resources at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.