Mechanical Engineer II - Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy

Hiring department: Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE) in the Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSIN) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). MIDE is a fast-growing research institute founded to solve real-world problems by synthesizing physics and engineering principles with a pragmatic, results-driven, and collaborative philosophy. The team tackles challenges ranging from restoring health and wellness in urban food deserts to developing state-of-the-art anti-drone technologies for cities and troops.

About the role

MIDE is seeking a Mechanical Engineer-II with experience in mechanical design, fabrication, and testing across areas such as robotic systems, unmanned aircraft, high-power electronics, design for manufacturing, and additive manufacturing. This role involves solving complex challenges in defense, energy, and health within a collaborative environment featuring world-class research organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design for manufacturing of a large (10,000 lb+) multi-agent robotic platform, covering all aspects of production-ready design (safety, usability, reliability, etc.).
• Manufacture components as needed and interface with shop technicians.
• Assemble and test vehicles in collaboration with undergraduate and graduate students.
• Create documentation, including technical reports and briefings, for internal and external audiences.
• Design work for Defense and RF applications.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers and non-engineers.

Note: This position is 100% grant-funded and contingent on continued funding.

Schedule

• Full-time, Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm or comparable.
• Flexible schedules supported; occasional travel required for research collaborations, conferences, and offsite briefings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a United States security clearance.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Passion for solving high-impact, real-world problems.
• Ability to thrive in agile and dynamic environments as both a team player and independent contributor.
• Willingness to mentor and assist staff and students.
• Experience managing and training small teams while meeting project deadlines.
• Curiosity, openness, and eagerness to learn new skills, methods, systems, and technologies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to guide team members.
• Excellent organizational skills to prioritize and execute parallel assignments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience (during or after degree acquisition).
• Experience with CAD tools, specifically for design-to-manufacture/machine/assembly.
• Experience designing, fabricating, and testing electromechanical systems.
• SolidWorks CSWA or CSWP certification (or similar).
• Existing Secret clearance or ability to obtain an interim Secret clearance prior to the start date.
• Teaching, mentoring, or coaching experience across disciplines and age groups.

Pay

Anticipated hiring range: $75,000–$90,000 annually. Salary is determined by education, skills, experience, and organizational requirements. Total compensation includes generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions.

Benefits

This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement contributions.
• Paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, and paid caregiver leave.
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

Location

Kansas City offers a vibrant urban community with Midwestern appeal, featuring thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, diverse shopping, champion sports teams, and a renowned culinary scene—especially its world-famous barbecue. UMKC’s campuses are centrally located, with the Volker Campus minutes from the Country Club Plaza and the Health Sciences Campus near downtown hospitals and hip neighborhoods.