Research Engineer – Software Developer

Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.

The area’s waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.

Summary

Michigan Tech Research Institute is seeking an entry - to mid - level software developer to help support variety of scientific and research programs for our government and commercial customers. The successful candidate will have a solid background in computer science with strong skills in software prototyping, software design, and deployment. The position is on-site, located at MTRI in Ann Arbor, MI (www.mtri.org).

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Design and develop software user interfaces; design methodologies and toolsets; design and conduct tests.
2. Support data management for remote sensing projects through the design and maintenance of scientific databases.
3. Develop software to prototype and evaluate signal processing, remote sensing, and/or machine learning algorithms.
4. Assist with defining software objectives by analyzing user requirements, system features, and functionality.
5. Recommend software solutions by comparing pros and cons of custom versus off-the-shelf alternatives.
6. Coordinate requirements and schedules, contribute to team meetings, troubleshoot development and production problems.
7. Develop software documentation and assistance tools.
8. Continue to improve performance by being aware of new technologies and software products, participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, and participating in professional organizations.
9. Accept ownership of, and responsibility for responding to new and varied requests.
10. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
11. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or engineering with computer science experience.

Required Experience

1. Strong programming skills with experience in one or more of the following programming languages/software: Python, MATLAB, C++, or equivalent.
2. Coursework or experience using software development tools, including revision control systems, containerization, and virtual environments.
3. Demonstrated organizational ability and attention to detail.
4. Demonstrated ability to participate in team projects.
5. Familiarity with Linux or other Unix-based operating system.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

1. Master’s degree in a related field with 2 years of relevant work experience or Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of relevant work experience.
2. Experience with image processing, sensors, and/or signal processing.
3. Basic knowledge of one or more of the following: statistics, database design and maintenance, UI design and development, CI/CD pipelines, ROS (Robotic Operating System), geospatial data formats and processing (GDAL or similar), command line Unix tools.
4. Experience working with multidisciplinary teams to perform research, solve technical problems, and/or develop software tools.
5. Experience using cloud-based computing systems.
6. Experience leading software development tasks and coordinating teams of junior software developers.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

1. Ability and willingness to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance, which requires United States citizenship. Obtaining a national security clearance while holding a dual citizenship will not be possible when the foreign country poses a risk to the national security of the United States.
2. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
3. Ability to take direction, but work without continuous oversight.
4. Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgement with respect to significant matters related to job duties.
5. Demonstrated ability to participate in team projects.
6. Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

1. Holds active Department of Defense security clearance.
2. Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas at meetings and symposia.
3. Ability to contribute to competitive grant proposals.
4. Ability to develop software without use of AI-assisted coding tools.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

**WORK ENVIRONMENT:**The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following training courses:

• Employee Safety Overview
• Annual Data Security Training
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Additional training will be required by the department on a periodic basis.

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

Negotiable based on experience.

Title of Position Supervisor

Research Engineer III

Posting Type

Internal & External

Dependent on Funding

Yes

Additional Information

This position is contingent upon the continued availability of external funding.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.

Other Conditions of Employment:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. Michigan Tech will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the Michigan Tech Public Safety.

In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and its implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 86), Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a drugfree campus environment and actively promoting the health and safety of its community. Find our notice that outlines the University's policies, legal sanctions, health risks, and available support resources related to the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures* (minimum requirements)

**Advertised:**12 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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