University of Missouri-Kansas City Hiring for Research Engineering Technician II (RET II), UMKC Missouri Institute for Defense at Kansas City, MO  Full Time

Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy

The Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy within UMKC is looking to hire a Research Engineering Technician II (RET II). In this role, the successful candidate will support multiple aspects of research and development needs. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated creativity and versatility in designing solutions for complex electrical and computational problems; a curiosity and willingness to learn new methods, systems, and technologies; strong verbal and written communication skills; the ability to guide less experienced team-members; strong self-motivation; the ability to work independently as well as on a team; and, capability to organize and execute on parallel assignments according to aggressive deadlines, while maintaining safety as top priority. Experience with laboratory instrumentation, computer interfacing, Matlab/Python programming, and data analysis are a plus.

The ideal team member will demonstrate:

* A passion for solving high-impact, real-world problems

* A direct, pragmatic, problem solving approach for mission-critical applied research

* The ability to operate in agile and dynamic working environments as a core team player and independent individual

* Creativity and versatility in designing, prototyping, and validating solutions for complex electrical and computational problems

* A curiosity, openness, and willingness to learn new skills, methods, systems, and technologies

* Effective verbal and written communication skills to inform and guide team-members

* Excellent organizational skills to prioritize and execute on both long-term and short parallel assignments

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Work with the RF Material Measurement team to:

o Identify deficiencies and propose solutions for operational and technical needs of ongoing research activities

o Independently procure materials, parts, and instrumentation based on a solid understanding of the research objectives

o Design, build/fabricate, install, and/or repair sensitive technical equipment and components

o Independently collect and analyze experimental data

o Develop strategies to reduce systematic error

o Automate input/output feedback loops to optimally explore complex experimental parameter spaces

o Provide guidance and solutions for data collection in situations that are atypical or occur infrequently

o Provide a timely response to the needs of ongoing work, related assemblies design, and implementation

* Writing of technical summaries and/or reports as requested

* Professional interactions with students and peers through verbal and written communications

* Presenting at and meeting with students, staff, and faculty to discuss design and operation of parts and systems

* Continuous professional development and ability to complete required training

* Maintaining a safe and secure work environment

* Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired; and,

* Ability to hold and maintain a United States security clearance.

* B.S. degree in mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering or 5 years of experience in a research and development environment or equivalent. Experience can come from a research institution or from research and development within an engineering or technical business where suitable experience was spent developing and testing designs and prototypes

* Experience collecting, plotting and summarizing experimentally derived data, from commercial and/or custom-built instrumentation;

* Experience or certification in soldering and electronics/electrical repair or installation;

* C++, python, Matlab, or equivalent programming experience;

* Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint);

* Currently/recently hold/held a United States security clearance.

$19.47 – $27.38 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

UMKC offers a competitive salary, affordable medical and dental plans, 403(b) savings plan, and University paid long-term disability and life insurance benefits. For full benefit details, visit:

Open until filled, review of applications to begin immediately.

Full time, Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm or comparable. Culture of flexibility is supported.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit or call Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.