What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Engineer 1 position at Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Posting Description
RESEARCH ENGINEER 1, Mechanical Engineering - K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Center , to help develop innovative hardware solutions addressing global challenges; and play a key technical leadership role within a collaborative team of approximately 30 students and staff, contributing to research in solar-powered agriculture, water desalination, embedded systems, and energy technologies. W ill design, prototype, troubleshoot, and field-test bench-scale and pilot-scale mechanical and electromechanical systems. Core responsibilities include developing embedded electronics, power management and data acquisition systems, pumping systems, and custom mechanical testing equipment, as well as preparing prototypes for manufacturing and technology transfer. The role also includes coordinating engineering efforts across multiple projects, establishing technical milestones, mentoring students, and guiding research execution. The engineer will contribute to field installations and testing, analyze experimental data to inform design improvements, and translate findings into practical engineering solutions.
Job Requirements
REQUIRED : PhD in a relevant field, a combination of related education and high-level research appropriate to the level of the position may be considered in unusual circumstances; a minimum of two years of related experience in a research environment (which may include experience as a graduate student); ability to travel internationally up to 10% of the time and domestically up to 25% of the time; and ability to handle objects weighing up to 50 lbs, which may involve lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling.
The position is for one year, renewable for subsequent years pending funding and satisfactory performance.
3/4/2026
RESEARCH ENGINEER 1, Mechanical Engineering - K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Center , to help develop innovative hardware solutions addressing global challenges; and play a key technical leadership role within a collaborative team of approximately 30 students and staff, contributing to research in solar-powered agriculture, water desalination, embedded systems, and energy technologies. W ill design, prototype, troubleshoot, and field-test bench-scale and pilot-scale mechanical and electromechanical systems. Core responsibilities include developing embedded electronics, power management and data acquisition systems, pumping systems, and custom mechanical testing equipment, as well as preparing prototypes for manufacturing and technology transfer. The role also includes coordinating engineering efforts across multiple projects, establishing technical milestones, mentoring students, and guiding research execution. The engineer will contribute to field installations and testing, analyze experimental data to inform design improvements, and translate findings into practical engineering solutions.
Job Requirements
REQUIRED : PhD in a relevant field, a combination of related education and high-level research appropriate to the level of the position may be considered in unusual circumstances; a minimum of two years of related experience in a research environment (which may include experience as a graduate student); ability to travel internationally up to 10% of the time and domestically up to 25% of the time; and ability to handle objects weighing up to 50 lbs, which may involve lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling.
The position is for one year, renewable for subsequent years pending funding and satisfactory performance.
3/4/2026