A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The Biosciences Group at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) is seeking a detail-oriented and skilled Mechanical Technician at the intermediate or associate level, to join our dynamic group. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated hands-on experience with a wide range of machine shop equipment and a passion for building experimental subassemblies and prototype instrumentation. This role is critical in supporting ongoing research projects through precision machining, welding, design, and fabrication.

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) is recognized internationally for our multidisciplinary research focusing on transportation safety and mobility (http://umtri.umich.edu). Established in 1965, we maintain the highest standards of excellence as we conduct research that improves peoples? lives through access to safe, equitable and efficient mobility.  UMTRI is a non-degree-granting unit within the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan that includes 21 faculty members, 35 research staff and over 300 students each year engaged in research and other experiential learning opportunities. UMTRI generates between $14M and $18M in research expenditures each year with funding from a wide range of government agencies and industry partners.

To get a glimpse of UMTRI at work as a leader in providing safe, equitable and efficient transportation research innovation, follow the link below:

https://youtu.be/iFokHTAYKfc?si=rw53pAbtGx2wlRdC

The Biosciences Group at UMTRI conducts research on the biomechanics of motor vehicle occupants as it relates to occupant injuries, crash protection, and occupant accommodation. Biosciences researchers use state-of-the-art laboratory testing facilities, computer modeling, and data analysis techniques to conduct a wide range of research. The scope of Biosciences work encompasses these main areas:

• Injury biomechanics, involving lab work with human surrogates to study the response of the human body to dynamic loading.
• Computational human body modeling to assess the effects of crashes and other loading scenarios on human response and injury.
• Engineering anthropometry and vehicle ergonomics, including extensive testing with volunteers to characterize their posture, motion, and body shape while interacting with vehicles, seats, and other systems.
• Crash data analysis to identify the mechanisms involved in motor-vehicle injury and assess the performance of occupant protection systems.

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and Parental Leave

• Operate machine shop equipment including engine lathes, vertical milling machines, CNC milling machine, drill presses, offhand grinder and disc sander, sheet metal forming equipment, vertical and horizontal band saws, and all types of welding equipment (oxy-acetylene, MIG, TIG, Stick, silver brazing and soldering) used in the building of experimental subassemblies or prototype instrumentation. 
• Perform precision machining and skilled welding for parts fabrication. 
• Maintain, repair and modify complex instrumentation and test equipment, including the crash sled lab and bio-impact labs for ongoing research projects.
• Design and fabricate complex engineering test apparatus and instrumentation using different types of materials (e.g. steel, aluminum, plastics) and processes (e.g. machining, welding, heat treating, bonding). 
• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications. 
• Design, build, mount, and calibrate camera and instrument mounts for research vehicles and labs. 
• Build, test, and calibrate precision devices/components to meet engineering specifications.
• Contribute to maintaining lab facilities for function and safety and make recommendations regarding tool room equipment needs to the Group Head. 
• Work directly with EHS and OSEH on safety inspections and necessary updates.
• Work directly with PI's and project engineers in the design phase of new projects and proposals. 
• Provide status updates to project engineers and  the Group Head of ongoing design and fabrication projects.  
• Create and design research labs and offer practical advice on workable engineering designs, specification of prototype parts/instrumentation, and manufacturing options.
• Prepare complex scale drawings, sketches, and specifications from verbal instructions or simple drawings. 
• Document and file prototype fixtures and lab equipment modifications for future reference. 

Intermediate Level:

• Associate's degree or Trade school certificate or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Three to five years of experience in machining, welding, and fabrication processes
• Proficient  with CAD software
• Advanced computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision

Associate Level:

• High school education or equivalent
• 0-3 years experience in machining, welding, and fabrication processes
• Proficient computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Ability to complete tasks under direct supervision by following established procedures to accomplish assigned tasks

Both Intermediate and Associate Level:

• Proficient in the use of all hand tools including drills, saws, files, portable power tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, and mechanics tools as needed for maintenance and building of lab equipment.
• Demonstrated experience with use of machine shop equipment including engine lathes, vertical milling machines, CNC milling machine, drill presses, offhand grinder and disc sander, sheet metal forming equipment, vertical and horizontal band saws, and all types of welding equipment used in the building of experimental subassemblies or prototype instrumentation.
• Demonstrated experience with sheet metal fabrication tools including the Shear, Brake, Roller and forming tools
• Ability to read, interpret, and fabricate parts from complex engineering drawings and specifications and verbal instructions
• Demonstrated experience in operating, repairing, and maintaining machine shop equipment and tools
• Ability to multitask and prioritize workload
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of lab safety standards and practices

• Experience Machine Shop Supervisor
• Advanced CAD skills (Solidworks)

This position is classified as onsite.  Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

A higher salary may be considered for an extraordinarily qualified candidate.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.