How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The Michigan Exploration Laboratory at the University of Michigan is looking for a team-oriented professional to provide support for our educational and research activities related to small satellite missions. These activities include designing, building, testing, and operating spacecraft, ground stations, robots, hardware, software, and tools used in the lab. Additionally, there may be opportunities to help us develop hardware, software, and procedures for educational lab activities related to various course lab classes. These activities collaborate with the UM Space Institute, which was recently created with investment from across the university to develop educational and research capabilities to explore outer space.
Mission Statement
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Responsibilities*
- Conceive and build new electro-mechanical space-related robotic systems and testbeds for space robotics. Examples include high-altitude balloon platforms, Cubesats, wheeled robotic platforms, multicopter platforms.
- Maintain laboratory kits, robotic subsystems, and test/fabrication equipment, such as oscilloscopes, 3D printers, computer networks, and camera systems.
- Design, assemble, and test advanced software systems.
- Develop schematics and engineering drawings, use computer-aided design tools, perform circuit layout, populate circuit boards, debug and test.
- Engage with students, including undergraduate and graduate students within space robotic courses, and pre-college students participating in outreach programs.
Required Qualifications*
- Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering with 2-3 years of related experience
- Experience with circuit board debugging, low-level device drivers, and associated debugging skills. Software experience in diverse environments (ex. Python, C, C++, JavaScript, ARM, AVR, MSP430, assembly, Linux), with proficiency in several.
- Experience with instrumentation including sensor calibrations, amplifier setup, data collection, and system level diagnostics.
- Excellent soldering skills required for delicate components.
- Mechanical skills (ex. manual/computer-numerical-control mills, computer-aided design tools, 3D printers) necessary to fabricate modest parts and assemblies.
- Working knowledge of machine learning platforms and related 'big-data' technologies.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
This is a one (1) year term-limited position with possible renewal based on funding extension.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.