HERL Research Engineer

SHRS-Rehab Sci & Tech - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (23003784)

Assists with designing, fabricating, and maintaining research instrumentation. Assists with the development of conceptual project design and instrumentation, software programs, and data collection methods. Assists with conducting research. Conducts laboratory procedures, develops software for analysis, and implements robotic equipment protocols. Coordinates work of students and interns.

The Human Engineering Research Laboratories are a part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as the Center for Wheelchairs and Assistive Robotics Engineering. Our mission is to continuously improve the mobility and function of people with disabilities through advanced engineering in clinical research and medical rehabilitation. • The incumbent will carry out the engineering responsibilities of assigned HERL projects. This may include: background research into a problem topic, electromechanical design with CAD, Matlab, or physics simulations; data analysis with tools such as Matlab, SPSS, or Excel; software design, and project organization and documentation. Responsibilities may include whole projects with assistance from others or assisting other on a portion of a project. This duty also includes regular communicating and presentation of the work to internal and external stakeholders in a professional and concise manner through meetings, conference calls, invention disclosures, white papers, grant submissions, and academic publications. • The incumbent will carry out physical aspects of HERL projects including: fabrication using a wide range of traditional and CNC machine tools; assembling and trouble shootings custom made or modified devices, and data collection for both bench top and human participant experiments. These activities are likely to involve operation of high value equipment during which trouble shooting and decision making may be necessary. These activities may include occasional travel. • The incumbent will assist students, other staff, and faculty, who are completing HERL projects. Activities may include design consulting, software training, machine operation training, data analysis consulting, reviewing and editing publications, and other professional development. The incumbent will be expected to “customer driven” and to find solutions to move projects forward. • HERL has significant engineering activities infrastructure ranging from large CNC mills to software repositories. The incumbent will be expected to help with maintaining, organizing, and supplying this infrastructure. This may include, helping prepare purchase orders, assisting with maintenance on equipment, communicating with external vendors, making sure files project files are properly organized for back-up, and practicing good laboratory hygiene at all times. • The incumbent will in a timely manner meet all regulatory requirements required of the VA and University of Pittsburgh. This is especially important in the areas of IRB compliance, biosafety compliance, physical security, information security, conflict of interest reporting, and financial reporting.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

The University of Pittsburgh requires all Pitt constituents (employees and students) on all campuses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption. Visit coronavirus.pitt.edu to learn more about this requirement.

Assignment Category Full-time regular

Job Classification Staff.Research Engineer II

Job Family Research

Job Sub-Family Research Engineering

Campus Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required 1

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience? Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Additional details about Required Licensure/Certification Requires Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering with prior work experience in medical device design, rehabilitation engineering, or robotics.

Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation Offered No

Visa Sponsorship Provided No

Background Check For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances Not Applicable

Required Documents Resume

Optional Documents Not Applicable

Essential Functions The incumbent will: • Assist with conducting research studies, including project concept and design, fabrication, set-up, calibration and troubleshooting. • Be responsible for data collection and analysis in accordance with laboratory and machine shop procedures and protocols • Assist with the design, fabrication, and maintenance of devices and equipment needed to complete projects. • Utilize software such as SolidWorks, MatLab, and AutoCAD to design and develop new and existing devices and equipment. • Utilize machine shop equipment such as CNC machine, waterjet table, and laser cutter to fabricate and troubleshoot devices. • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders in a professional manner through face-to-face and virtual meetings.

Physical Effort Predominantly operates in an office environment. Some periods of time may be spent in HERL Machine Shop and biolab spaces for installation, testing, and troubleshooting. Some work requires operating machining equipment.