Department: 

Applied Engineering (Research and Outreach) – Spring 2026

Salary:  

$10 - $12 per hour. Start with 10–15 hours/week; may increase to 15–25 hours during onboarding, events, or project periods with approval (Max 26 hours per week)

Position Summary: 

The Research & Outreach Student Assistant will support the Applied Engineering Department’s student recruitment, outreach, and engagement initiatives, while also participating in hands-on research and applied projects through the Center for Manufacturing Support (CMS).

This position blends student-facing engagement, campus and community outreach, and introductory research exposure in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and applied engineering. Student assistants will help engage middle school and high school students, parents, educators, industry partners, and campus visitors during outreach events, career fairs, preview days, and guided campus visits.

Technical guidance, training, and content support will be provided by CMS staff and Applied Engineering faculty.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Outreach & Recruitment Support

• Assist with departmental outreach initiatives involving middle school and high school students, parents, counselors, and community partners.
• Support Applied Engineering representation during campus visits, preview days, career fairs, open houses, and recruitment events.
• Engage visiting students and families by explaining Applied Engineering programs, facilities, and career pathways under faculty guidance.
• Help prepare outreach materials, demonstrations, displays, and hands-on activities for recruitment events.

Student Engagement & Event Support

• Serve as a student ambassador during campus tours and departmental events hosted by Applied Engineering and CMS.
• Assist faculty and staff in welcoming external delegates, industry partners, and institutional visitors.
• Support logistics during outreach events (setup, coordination, check-in support, post-event cleanup).

Research & CMS Activities

• Participate in introductory research and applied projects related to advanced manufacturing, robotics, automation, or engineering technology at CMS.
• Assist with data collection, documentation, basic experimentation, demonstrations, or lab organization as assigned.
• Support ongoing CMS student research, workforce development, or outreach-linked projects.

Documentation & Communication

• Assist with basic documentation of outreach activities (photos, attendance logs, short summaries).
• Support internal reporting needs related to outreach and student engagement initiatives.
• Follow university branding, safety, and professional conduct guidelines during all activities.

Required Qualifications: 

• Current Jacksonville State University student in Applied Engineering, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing, Robotics, STEM, Education, or a related field.

• Selected applicants must provide evidence of student enrollment and GPA (unofficial transcript or printout of enrollment/GPA from MyJaxState.

• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable interacting with middle school and high school students, parents, and external visitors.
• Professional demeanor, reliability, and ability to represent the Applied Engineering Department positively.

• Willingness to learn and follow instructions in outreach and laboratory settings

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in engineering outreach, STEM education, manufacturing, robotics, or applied research.
• Prior experience in student organizations, outreach programs, tutoring, labs, or campus events.
• Comfort speaking to small groups or assisting with demonstrations.
• Basic familiarity with engineering labs, makerspaces, or hands-on technical environments (training provided).

Learning & Professional Benefits

• Exposure to applied engineering research and workforce-focused projects through CMS.
• Hands-on experience in STEM outreach, recruitment, and student engagement.
• Professional development in communication, teamwork, leadership, and public engagement.
• Opportunity to work closely with faculty, staff, industry partners, and visiting institutions.

Notice Regarding International Students:

• All International Students must be in a valid immigration status. 
• Please visit the International Programs website for additional information: http://www.jsu.edu/international/index.html
• Due to Visa requirements international students must be enrolled as a full-time JSU student and possess each of the following:

1. Passport from their respective country.
2. F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Student Visa.
3. U.S. Customs Form I-94.
4. Official photo identification.
5. Official Social Security Card imprinted with “Valid for Work Only” or similar statement

Required Documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Unofficial Transcript