Job Summary
The Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL) in the College of Engineering is seeking an experienced, highly motivated Electrical Engineer to provide technical and project support for current and future space mission and instrument development projects.
SPRL is a College of Engineering research facility that serves faculty, government agencies (such as NASA and DoD), and industry in the development of unique integrated systems and instrumentation that are often used in challenging environments ( e.g. space, arctic, above/on/below the water). The SPRL professional staff, with faculty and researchers, have built more than 35 space systems and instruments; instrumented numerous sounding rockets, balloons and aircraft; and developed ground-based instruments. For eight decades, University of Michigan has been one of a handful of universities able to conceive, design, construct, test, and operate space flight instruments - a truly 'end-to-end' operation.
The Engineer in Research Intermediate will develop and design analog, analog-to-digital, and power-system electronics in particular, and assume primary responsibility for the design of instrument modules and support subsystems. They will design, specify, and test hardware and software used in those systems and prepare test and integration plans for all phases of electronic hardware development. In addition, they will participate in the development of proposals for new research opportunities, participate in sponsor and project-level review meetings representing the University and principal investigator interests. They will also evaluate hardware and software designs for correctness and applicability to overall design requirements.
Responsibilities*
- Design of electrical systems and analog components for instruments, including neutral and ion mass spectrometers and energetic particle detectors, ion thruster components, magnetometers and other spacecraft components and instruments.
- Ability to perform parts stress, power dissipation, and thermal stress analysis of instrument and small satellite electrical designs.
- Knowledge and experience of the testing and verification of electrical components or assemblies.
- Knowledge and experience in the proper design of electrical components for space systems, including vacuum, thermal, materials, and other considerations.
- Knowledge and experience with the challenges of the space environment and other harsh environments to inform PCB layout, component selection and placement, radiation effects mitigation, signal integrity, and thermal cycling.
- Knowledge of standard design tools such as Altium and LTSpice.
Required Qualifications*
- BS in Electrical Engineering
- Demonstrated excellence in team cooperation, organization, and communication skills.
- One to three years of experience in the development, design, integration, and testing of electronics used in scientific instrumentation for air and spaceborne environments
- Design experience in analog electronics, analog-to-digital, power systems, and sensor systems to inform circuit design, PCB layout, assembly, and testing.
- This position requires access to technology controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, candidates must qualify as a 'U.S. Person,' which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and certain protected individuals (such as refugees or asylees) as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required export authorization from the U.S. government.
Desired Qualifications*
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering
- 5 years of experience in developing flight or flight development hardware for NASA or DoD applications, such as mass spectrometers, magnetometers, etc.
- Experience in analog, analog-to-digital, power system, and/or sensor design. and sensitive signal amplification design experience
- Cognizant engineer experience in organizing and planning electronics contributions for instrument and avionics projects
- Experience in the preparation of technical and cost proposals for government-sponsored projects
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.
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.
This position requires access to technology controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, candidates must qualify as a 'U.S. Person,' which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and certain protected individuals (such as refugees or asylees) as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required export authorization from the U.S. government.
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.