Job Description:

• Leverages specialized expertise to provide technical and engineering support for research projects.
• Participates in the procurement of parts and materials.
• Uses solid understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering principles to develop and design new systems. Analyzes designs to establish expected performance characteristics.
• Contributes to the documentation of technical work including formal drawings, reports, etc.
• Develops CAD models and drawings of specialized research apparatus.
• Performs thermal, mechanical, and engineering analysis of instrumentation.
• Develops bills of materials.
• Works with University and/or outside shops as necessary to determine best methods for fabrication.
• Prototypes electrical and mechanical components in coordination with the Electronics Design Group or student machine shop foreman.
• Assists with installing, set up, and performing research experiments, interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Travels to field locations with the instrument to integrate it aboard aircraft, oversee its ground and in-flight operation, and perform maintenance as necessary.
• Communicates with engineers and facility managers of aircraft and cloud chambers to ensure instrumentation is compatible and meets their safety standards.
• Establishes and maintains respectful and professional working relationships within a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students at the University, as well as with business partners and collaborating research groups around the world.
• Works safely and in accordance with the University safety policies.
• Has limited authority on construction, installation, operation, maintenance, repair, and development of new, modified, and/or existing systems and/or of electric or electronic components, equipment, systems, etc.
• Performs development activities including drawing board layout and interpretation and implementation of project specifications and documentation requirements. Provides drafting and design services by preparing and maintaining blueprints, maps and engineering, architectural, or electrical drawings.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:         

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.

Experience:       

• Design of mechanical and/or electromechanical systems as part of an educational program or otherwise.
• Field work with an airborne or cloud chamber instrument.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency with commercial 3d CAD software.
• Ability to design and build custom printed circuit boards for use in research instrumentation

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to interact with a diverse workforce.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.

Working Conditions

• Office setting â“ 50%
• Laboratory setting â“ 50%

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References (preferred)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

About University of Chicago (UC)

One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

Connections working at University of Chicago (UC)