How to Apply

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.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Lead Engineer in Research, with experience in connected vehicle technology (V2X) or advanced vehicle systems engineering, to plan project execution, coordinate the development of engineering systems, and monitor progress to ensure successful completion of major, complex research projects.

This is a term-limited position through February 8, 2027, with possible renewal based on performance and funding extension.

What You'll Do

Lead systems engineering to develop and cascade requirements to subcontractors.
Lead program management, plan project execution, design and develop engineering systems, and monitor progress, implementing changes, when necessary, to ensure project success and in compliance with existing and developing standards.
Reviews project plans and specifications to set project milestones, develop a detailed work plan for task allocation of engineering and research activities, oversee and monitor budgets and timelines, to ensure timely completion of the project.
Identify and request appropriate resources needed, review and evaluate bids and proposals from subcontractors, and assist with resource allocation.
Monitor progress of research and engineering activities, analyze and evaluate courses of action, implementing changes as necessary.
Manage the integration of vendor tasks and track and review vendor deliverables, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
Assemble a multidisciplinary team that will develop and implement an outreach and education and workforce development plan, describing the activities to be performed and disseminating the results of the project for stakeholder feedback.
Ensure compliance with U-M policies and regulations (IRB, HSIP, Risk Management).
Participate in working policy groups and implement changing security and communication protocol standards, as needed.
Communicate regularly with the primary investigators and Sponsors on project status and report outcomes and present results to stakeholders in industry, government and academia.
Collaborate with researchers in preparation of papers for publication and work with U-M units and departments to ensure the development of projects, as required. (e.g. Mcity, the College of Engineering, etc.)

Who We Are

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) is recognized internationally for our multidisciplinary research focusing on transportation safety and mobility ( http://umtri.umich.edu ). Established in 1965, we maintain the highest standards of excellence as we conduct research that improves peoples' lives through access to safe, equitable and efficient mobility. UMTRI is a non-degree-granting unit within the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan that includes 19 faculty members, 35 research staff, and nearly over 300 students each year engaged in research and other experiential learning opportunities.

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/ .

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Maternity and Parental Leave

Required Qualifications*

A bachelor's degree in engineering is required. Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and relative work experience in electrical or network engineering will be considered.
7+ years of relevant work in a technical or research setting related to connected vehicle technology (V2X) or advanced vehicle systems engineering.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to present information effectively to stakeholders.
Excellent attention to detail, multi-tasking and problem-solving ability.
Strong organization and time management skills with ability to prioritize and complete tasks based on project and organizational needs.
Demonstrated experience working with multiple internal and external partners in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Demonstrated experience working within the U.S. regulatory compliance environment.
Academic/Government research experience.
Excellent computer skills including solid working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, eResearch or similar university software platforms. PowerPoint and Zoom are required.

Desired Qualifications*

Experience working with sponsored project budgets.
Project management skills including scheduling and budgeting and/or professional project management certification through PMI or other recognized certification organization.

Modes of Work

This position is classified as hybrid. Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

This is a term-limited position through February 8, 2027, with possible renewal based on performance and funding extension.

A higher salary may be considered for an extraordinarily qualified candidate.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.