Research Engineer

Department: CFANS GEMS Informatics Center

Supervisor:
Bryan Runck, PI Real-time Geo Information Systems Lab

Location:

248 Ruttan Hall and 305 Cargill, St. Paul Campus

We seek a highly motivated multidisciplinary engineer to serve in the Runck Lab in the GEMS Informatics Center. The successful candidate will support research in instrumentation and internet of things systems and will support the GEMS Sensing Service Organization.

This is a 100% research position with the primary aim of prototyping and supporting existing distributed, low cost electronics systems. Work is performed under general supervision, following established lab procedures and guidelines.

• Research and Development (70%)
  • Sensing & Instrumentation:
    Assist in assembling, soldering, testing, and debugging low-power embedded hardware and sensor systems.
  • Prototyping & Manufacturing:
    Print CAD models/components using 3D printers and assist in assembling prototype Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
  • Software & Connectivity:
    Write scripts (Python, Matlab, R, Embedded C/C++) to assist with data processing, basic firmware development, and data extraction/ingestion into lab databases.
  • Testing & Evaluation:
    Assist with gathering basic user feedback, administering standardized user surveys, and supporting design review meetings.
  • Documentation & Reporting:
    Contribute to research documentation, including assisting with standard operating procedures (SOPs), training tutorials, lab wikis, and drafting technical sections of research reports or manuscripts.
  • Field Support:
    Assist the Lab Field Manager with standard setup, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of field-deployed sensing units.
• Research support (20%)
  • Support workspace operations by adhering to quality standards and maintaining experimental stations in a clean, organized manner.
  • Execute routine lab maintenance tasks, including restocking consumables, maintaining 3D printer performance, and performing basic hardware/tool setup under direction.
  • Assist with placing equipment/component orders by requesting vendor quotes under supervisor direction.
  • Guide student workers on proper lab cleanup, safety procedures, and basic tool usage.
• Education and Training (10%)
  • Assist in preparing basic instructional materials and demonstrations for online or face-to-face learning modules.
  • Help facilitate routine hands-on training sessions on basic IoT and sensor technology for undergraduate students, K-12 groups, or workshop attendees.

• A BA/BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.
• Academic or professional experience with basic Internet of Things (IoT) hardware or embedded prototyping.
• Exposure to low-level programming/firmware (e.g., Embedded C/C++) or scripting languages (e.g., Python, Matlab, or R).
• Basic familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software (e.g., Solidworks, Autodesk
  360) or PCB layout tools (e.g., Altium, Eagle).
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed protocols and execute recurring tasks with precision and timeliness, working collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team of engineers, data scientists, and non-engineers.

• Coursework or additional education in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field
• Hands‑on experience (coursework, projects, or work) building Internet of Things (IoT) prototypes for sensing, instrumentation, robotics, or wireless connectivity, such as low‑power embedded systems, power electronics, analog signal chains, or printed circuit boards
• Exposure to hardware and firmware tools such as embedded C/C++, Eagle, Altium,…