Research Engineer – Software Developer

About the University

Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace. The area’s waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town.

About the Role

Michigan Tech Research Institute is seeking an entry- to mid-level software developer to help support a variety of scientific and research programs for our government and commercial customers. The successful candidate will have a solid background in computer science with strong skills in software prototyping, software design, and deployment. The position is on-site, located at MTRI in Ann Arbor, MI.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop software user interfaces; design methodologies and toolsets; design and conduct tests.
• Support data management for remote sensing projects through the design and maintenance of scientific databases.
• Develop software to prototype and evaluate signal processing, remote sensing, and/or machine learning algorithms.
• Assist with defining software objectives by analyzing user requirements, system features, and functionality.
• Recommend software solutions by comparing pros and cons of custom versus off-the-shelf alternatives.
• Coordinate requirements and schedules, contribute to team meetings, troubleshoot development and production problems.
• Develop software documentation and assistance tools.
• Continue to improve performance by being aware of new technologies and software products, participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, and participating in professional organizations.
• Accept ownership of, and responsibility for responding to new and varied requests.
• Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
• Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work.
• Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or engineering with computer science experience.
• Strong programming skills with experience in one or more of the following programming languages/software: Python, MATLAB, C++, or equivalent.
• Coursework or experience using software development tools, including revision control systems, containerization, and virtual environments.
• Demonstrated organizational ability and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in team projects.
• Familiarity with Linux or other Unix-based operating system.
• Ability and willingness to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance, which requires United States citizenship.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to take direction, but work without continuous oversight.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgement with respect to significant matters related to job duties.
• Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field with 2 years of relevant work experience or Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience with image processing, sensors, and/or signal processing.
• Basic knowledge of one or more of the following: statistics, database design and maintenance, UI design and development, CI/CD pipelines, ROS (Robotic Operating System), geospatial data formats and processing (GDAL or similar), command line Unix tools.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams to perform research, solve technical problems, and/or develop software tools.
• Experience using cloud-based computing systems.
• Experience leading software development tasks and coordinating teams of junior software developers.
• Holds active Department of Defense security clearance.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas at meetings and symposia.
• Ability to contribute to competitive grant proposals.
• Ability to develop software without use of AI-assisted coding tools.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Training and Conditions of Employment

• Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following training courses: Employee Safety Overview, Annual Data Security Training, Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training, and Annual Title IX Training.
• Additional training will be required by the department on a periodic basis.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.
• This position is contingent upon the continued availability of external funding.
• Successful applicants must ensure their eligibility to work in the United States (citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or authorized to work without employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment and maintain eligibility throughout the appointment.