Education Programs Engineer

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 University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center (EVC) seeks an Education Programs Engineer (Intermediate/Senior) to advance EV-focused research and hands-on learning through the design, build, integration, and operation of laboratory and testbed systems. This role provides technical leadership and day-to-day project coordination across faculty

• student
• and partner-supported efforts, with a strong emphasis on safe lab practices, clear documentation, and effective communication of results to diverse audiences. The position may be filled at the Intermediate or Senior level based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. This role reports to the Education Pillar Director at the Electric Vehicle Center. 35% Design and Build
• Plan, design, build, and integrate research and instructional equipment and systems, including EV-related testbeds and lab infrastructure.
• Support prototyping and iterative improvement of hardware and software systems, including integration and verification activities.
• Collaborate with faculty and instructors to translate course learning objectives into safe, hands-on EV laboratory activities and testbed capabilities.
• Design testbeds to be student-ready by making them modular, repeatable, clearly labeled, and maintainable.
• Create and maintain instructional build packages for student teams, including bills of materials, wiring diagrams, assembly guides, and configuration notes. 40% Test and Operate
• Develop test plans, experimental procedures, and acceptance criteria; execute tests; record and summarize results.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Commission instructional testbeds prior to each term; perform functional checks, safety checks, and readiness validation; verify reliable operation for repeated student use.
• Develop student-facing test procedures and lab guides, including step-by-step methods, expected result ranges, common failure modes, and troubleshooting tips.
• Develop pre-lab and in-lab operational checklists to support safe and consistent use, including startup, shutdown, interlock verification, and emergency procedures.
• Diagnose and resolve day-to-day testbed issues during active courses to minimize downtime and keep instruction on track. 25% Coordinate and Support
• Provide day-to-day technical project coordination, including scoping tasks, managing schedules, and tracking dependencies with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Prepare and maintain clear technical documentation, including schematics, build notes, configuration documentation, SOPs, reports, and sponsor-facing summaries as needed.
• Promote a safe, compliant lab environment by following and reinforcing applicable safety policies, training requirements, and standard procedures.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to students and/or junior staff on project-based work; review deliverables for quality and completeness.
• Communicate progress, risks, and technical concepts effectively to diverse audiences and contribute to continuous improvement of lab processes.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 1-3 years for intermediate level and 3-5 years for senior level of relevant technical experience in an engineering, research, laboratory, or applied R D environment (academic, industry, or government).
• Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver technical work (e.g., scoping tasks, organizing timelines, documenting decisions/results).
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: prototyping, instrumentation, test/measurement, controls, or data acquisition.
• Proficiency with at least one programming/scripting or technical computing tool (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and/or engineering design tools (e.g., CAD, Simulink).
• Ability to troubleshoot technical systems and communicate findings clearly in writing and verbally.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and interact professionally with students, faculty, and external partners.
• Commitment to safe work practices and ability to follow established lab/shop safety policies.

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. The underfill position would be Education Programs Engineer Intermediate.

Please Note:

This position is a one-year term limited position with the possibility of extension contingent on continued funding. 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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended. The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.