Senior Research Engineer - Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Illinois

Job Info

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Senior Research Engineer

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

**EXTENDING**

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for a Senior Research Engineer position. This position will carry out a variety of research, educational, and development activities in the areas of structural engineering, computer-based structural modeling, rail engineering, construction materials, and geotechnical engineering.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Execute research projects involving experimental testing including performing structural design and analysis of specimens and developing/reviewing appropriate safety protocols for each experiment.
• Configure servo-hydraulic systems for structural testing and empower faculty and graduate student researchers to conduct experiments using these systems.
• Analyze and curate research data and compile it in technical reports and presentations.
• Provide guidance to students on various experimental testing stages and methods including computer-based structural modeling, instrumentation planning, data acquisition, and test setup.
• Assemble, connect, and check data acquisition and instrumentation systems for structural testing.
• Collaborate with machine shop personnel to set up structural test fixtures and install experimental specimens.
• Catalog, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory testing devices, data acquisition equipment, and instruments (e.g., test fixtures, actuators, load cells, displacement transducers, and rotation meters).
• Assist faculty with the planning and development of large-scale proposals, initiatives, and research projects involving the Newmark Structural Engineering Laboratory (NSEL), which includes forging new directions for the lab with the NSEL Director.
• Develop external clients and customers for commercial testing in the NSEL.
• Assist with teaching lab sections for select undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Coordinate testing program with NSEL Director, Machine Shop Supervisor, and staff at other laboratories and machine shops across campus to meet internal and external customer deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field
• Four years of relevant work experience conducting research in a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or doctoral degree in Civil Engineering or related field
• Engineer-in-Training certification
• Professional Engineering license, particularly Structural Engineering license
• Experience with large-scale structural testing equipment, dynamic or high-cycle fatigue loading, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation
• Experience in construction safety and laboratory safety procedures
• Experience with proposal preparation

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including communicating with lab and machine shop personnel, faculty and student researchers, and external clients
• Working knowledge in PC operating systems (including Windows, iOS, and Linux), Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook), CAD and drafting software, structural analysis software, and scripting (e.g., Matlab, Python)
• Familiarity with National Instruments LabVIEW and/or Signal Express; MTS actuator control software and controllers (MTS FlexTest, Station Manager, Station Builder, and MPE); and Forney, dSPACE, and/or Shore Western actuator control software and controllers
• Demonstrated knowledge of soldering and basic electronics skills, such as the use of a multimeter, wave form generator, and oscilloscope
• Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly
• Demonstrated teamwork, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to lead and direct other NSEL personnel

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a full-time academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. The minimum salary is $70,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Employees hired into this position will be expected to work onsite on a full-time basis.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINES

Applications must be received by September 25, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Stacie Mertes at smertes@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1026291
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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