Mechanical Systems Engineer
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Job no: 530119
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: Virginia Tech Transportation Instit
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia, Fully Remote, Hybrid
Categories: Engineering, Research / Scientific
There are jobs. Then there are careers that foster you to be a force for good in the world. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) is a world-leading safety research center working with car companies, suppliers, and government agencies to bring about the safe development and deployment of automated vehicles on our roadways. Transportation is under transformation, so every day we are approaching problems differently to make a difference in the world (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4VWviw5JA).
VTTI seeks a qualified, ambitious Mechanical Systems Engineer interested in answering complex questions surrounding automated vehicle systems. The candidate should be an experienced engineer capable of working independently and with multidisciplinary teams to conduct and support cutting-edge research. The selected candidate will be a member of a highly capable team with experience and interests in transportation-related areas such as automated vehicle systems, ADAS, sensor/perception systems. connected vehicle systems and related technologies. Mechatronic Engineers specialists are encouraged to apply as well.
At the Research Associate Rank:
Independently contribute to the conceptualization, design, optimization, construction, and implementation of instrumentation and tests to fully assess the performance of these transportation support systems.
The candidate should have an aptitude for working with complex technological systems, applying appropriate data collection and data analysis techniques, developing robust solutions, and interpreting and communicating results.
Independently evaluate, select, and apply mechanical engineering principles, procedures, and criteria, using judgment in making adaptations and modifications to help develop the next generation of research systems.
Work performed in this position often involves applying mechanical, electrical, computer, and software engineering skills to the same project.
The candidate will be empowered to independently contribute to research projects and tasks with demonstrated success over time, providing key opportunities for advancement and career growth.
At the Senior Research Associate Rank:
Independently lead the conceptualization, design, optimization, construction, and implementation of instrumentation and tests to fully assess the performance of these transportation support systems.
The candidate should have an aptitude for working with complex technological systems, applying appropriate data collection and data analysis techniques, developing robust solutions, and interpreting and communicating results.
Independently evaluate, select, and apply mechanical engineering principles, procedures, and criteria, using judgment in making adaptations and modifications to help develop the next generation of research systems.
Work performed in this position often involves applying mechanical, electrical, computer, and software engineering skills to the same project.
The candidate will be empowered to independently lead research projects and tasks with demonstrated success over time, providing key opportunities for advancement and career growth.
Supervise/Mentor/Train and coordinate the work of graduate research assistants and others who assist in specific assignments.
Iteratively acts in concert with the research team and sponsors to define project goals, technical specifications, and overall objectives.
May be eligible to serve in a co-principal investigator capacity.
Actively participate in the procurement of new work by demonstrating facility capabilities, summarizing data, and contributing to technical white papers.
Must have a criminal background check and a valid driver's license.
For Senior Research Associate:
PhD degree in mechanical engineering or related technical field. Candidates with a lesser degree and significant experience in lieu of degree will also be considered.
For Research Associate:
Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or related technical field. Candidates with a bachelor's degree and significant progressive experience in lieu of degree may also be considered.
General:
• Demonstrable experience in transportation research or equivalent experience within a related field
• Firm understanding of engineering principles needed to analyze, verify, and interpret technology and safety research.
• Aptitude for working with complex technological systems, applying appropriate data collection and data analysis techniques, developing robust solutions, and interpreting and communicating results
• Experience participating in cross-functional teams
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
• Ability to manage, influence, negotiate, and communicate with external business partners and internal teams to meet project goals
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• A Mechatronics Engineering degree or related background.
• Work experience or familiarity with automated vehicle systems, ADAS, sensors, AI algorithms, and perception systems
• Proficient in data collection, processing, and statistical analysis including skills in programming (e.g., Matlab, SAS, R, Python, etc).
• Project Management experience, qualified to lead project teams and oversee project schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
Starting at $80,000; commensurate with experience
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
The position is eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement and the details of that work arrangement will be confirmed upon hire.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Lisa Eichelberger at lisae@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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