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.
Who We Are
The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) is recognized internationally for our multidisciplinary research focusing on transportation safety and mobility (http://umtri.umich.edu/). Established in 1965, we maintain the highest standards of excellence as we conduct research that improves peoples' lives through access to safe, equitable and efficient mobility. UMTRI is a non-degree-granting unit within the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan that includes over 25 faculty members, over 30 research and technical staff, and nearly over 300 students each year engaged in research and other experiential learning opportunities.
At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.
Job Summary
The Engineering Systems Group (ESG) at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) is hiring a Lead Shop Technician, and invites experienced, qualified applicants to apply. The successful candidate will be a highly skilled, collaborative problem-solver who provides technical leadership and hands-on expertise in support of UMTRI's transportation research programs.
Responsibilities*
- Evaluate and design laboratory equipment for experiments. Perform complex laboratory experiments, reduce data and prepare test results.
- Select materials, methods and equipment to be used in experimental research projects or the fabrication and repair of complex scientific or engineering equipment.
- Design, fabricate, modify, maintain and repair a broad range of experimental tools, equipment, fixtures, and highly complex engineering instruments for use in laboratory and field experiments and tests. Requires welding of both steel and aluminum and operation of machine tools including milling machines and lathes.
- Reads and proofs mechanical drawings and electrical schematics. Studies specifications and confers with engineering and shop personnel to resolve design problems related to material characteristics, dimensional tolerances, service requirements, manufacturing procedures, and costs of tools.
- Provide functional supervision for technicians, consult on equipment requirements and capabilities, and coordinate work with the professional staff.
- Provide training and oversight for technicians in vehicle and equipment operation. Reviews progress and evaluates results.
- Installs complex test equipment in vehicles, and leads the execution of tests, often supervising other technicians.
- Schedule/Coordinate the use of shop space with other research groups at UMTRI. Coordinates research activities and research vehicle maintenance and upgrades within this workspace.
- Often assists with loading and unloading of freight for all UMTRI departments. Provide consultation and assistance for other groups at UMTRI and coordinate moving office furniture and disposal of surplus furniture and equipment with UMTRI Facilities.
- Oversees machine shop and vehicle work bay area, including responsibility for OSHA compliance, selecting and purchasing tools and other mechanical supplies.
- Operate vehicles and experimental equipment during track and on-road testing. Coordinate or lead these testing activities, when the work requires, in order to meet project schedules.
Required Qualifications*
- Associate's degree or completion of a certificate or diploma program in automotive technology, welding, fabrication, machining, engineering technology, or a related discipline from an accredited technical institute, vocational school, or trade school.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in fabrication, vehicle repair, or related discipline.
- Vehicle or industrial electrical/electronics wiring experience, including wiring harness fabrication and repair, soldering, etc.
- High level of machine shop and welding expertise and ability to train others.
- Possesses extensive technical knowledge of light and heavy duty vehicle assembly, maintenance, and operation.
- Strong ability in disassembly and reassembly of automotive interiors and mechanical systems.
- Strong ability in testing and diagnosis of electronics, instrumentation, and wiring systems using DVMs, etc.
- Skilled at overhead crane and forklift operation.
- Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Windows PC proficiency, including MS Office, MS Excel, etc.
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Desired Qualifications*
- Previous experience formally supervising employees, including performance management and evaluation responsibilities, is desired.
- Motorcycle endorsement
- Group A Michigan Commercial Driver's License without restrictions, preferably with Passenger and Tank endorsements.
- CAD modeling and 3D printer operation
- Previous experience working in a research environment.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Maternity and Parental Leave
Modes of Work
This position is classified as onsite. 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
The anticipated salary range for this position is $85,000 to $100,000. The final salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
- Work is performed in machine shops, vehicle work bays, laboratories, proving grounds, outdoor field locations, and vehicles operated on public roads.
- The position regularly works near moving machinery, vehicles, welding operations, electrical systems, sharp tools, elevated noise, and other shop or automotive hazards.
- This position routinely moves throughout the building and shop and highbay areas to move equipment, tools, and machinery of varying weight.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position during the entire shift.
- Constantly positions self to install complex equipment in vehicles.
- Occasionally ascends/descends ladders in the shop space.
- This position may involve traveling to various locations on and off campus to retrieve materials or assist with research projects on location.
- This position requires inspection of shop and highbay areas to detect safety concerns.
- Appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to University, unit, OSHA, vehicle, proving-ground, and public-road safety requirements are mandatory.
- Test schedules may occasionally require work outside standard business hours or travel to test sites.
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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.