Research Engineer 2

Department: MCC Mechanical Engineering
Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Target hiring range for this position will be between $78,482-$110,365 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

About McCormick

Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science is redefining engineering education and research through its pioneering "Whole-Brain Engineering" philosophy, integrating the elements of left-brain thinking - analysis, logic, synthesis, and math - with the kind of high-level right-brain thinking that fosters intuition, metaphorical thought, and creative problem solving. Augmenting the analytical core of engineering with substantial initiatives in design, entrepreneurship, leadership and personal development, and unusual collaborations that span disciplines, Northwestern Engineering students and faculty are prepared to take the world in a whole new direction.

Northwestern Engineering comprises more than 1,800 undergraduate students, 2,000 graduate students, 190 faculty members across nine academic departments and varied programs, centers, and institutes. Northwestern Engineering staff members support innovative academic programs, an intellectual footprint that deepens the frontiers of knowledge, partnerships that catalyze education and research, and a diverse culture that embraces different viewpoints and ideas.

Job Summary:

The Center for Robotics and Biosystem (CRB, https://robotics.northwestern.edu/) at Northwestern University, in conjunction with the US National Science Foundation Human AugmentatioN via Dexterity (HAND) Engineering Research Center (https://hand-erc.org) based in the CRB, is seeking a full-time soft robotics Research Engineer. The Research Engineer will participate in HAND ERC sponsored research, particularly the design of robot hands.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead sensorized skin engineer on the design of robot hands, in collaboration with students, faculty, and staff of the HAND ERC.

• Oversee the work of undergraduate and masters students, and help mentor PhD students in projects that relate to the sensorized skin

• Other duties such as research, communication, team-building, industry collaboration, and other duties as assigned by the HAND ERC leadership.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• 4+ years experience and MS in mechanical engineering or a related field.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• The applicant must have significant experience in the design, fabrication, and testing of mechatronic and soft robotic systems, including
• CAD
• selection of mechanical components and materials including soft materials such as latex, silicones, and urethanes
• machining and mechanical prototyping, including rapid prototyping
• design of soft robotic systems
• manufacturing processes and working with external job shops
• basic electronic circuit design, fabrication, and testing

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Other competencies that are a bonus, but are not required, include
• electromechanical design, including actuator, transmission, and sensor selection
• PCB design
• real-time control and filtering
• embedded computing
• fluency in C, C++, Python, and MATLAB
• familiarity with the Robot Operating System (ROS)

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.