University of Michigan

Research Investigator

University of Michigan • $100K — $103K *
Ann Arbor, MI 48103In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in aerospace or related engineering discipline
  • Experience with cryogenic pumping vacuum systems
  • Experience with Hall thruster testing above 5 kW
  • Experience with standard electric thruster diagnostic suites
  • Experience in hollow cathode and power processing development
  • Leadership experience in technical teams
  • Eligibility for USG Secret clearance

Responsibilities

  • Oversee technical efforts of a team on advanced propulsion concepts
  • Coordinate and execute integrated tests for propulsion systems
  • Implement upgraded hydrazine-compatible propulsion test facilities
  • Support alternative gas test facility for high-power thruster testing
  • Liaise with commercial partners as test lead for ongoing projects
  • Lead development and maintenance of diagnostic systems
  • Mentor doctoral students and contribute to grant proposal writing

Benefits

  • Opportunity for extension based on funding availability
  • Eligibility for hybrid or remote work mode at discretion of department
  • Engagement with a national team on cutting-edge propulsion research
  • Access to state-of-the-art testing facilities
  • Mentorship opportunities for doctoral students
Full Job Description
How to Apply

To apply, please upload a cover letter, a current CV, and a list of professional references to the Interfolio link https://apply.interfolio.com/189112

Job Summary

The Department of Aerospace Engineering in the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is seeking a Research Investigator. This is a one year term-limited position with possibility of extension contingent upon funding availability.

Chief engineer for propulsion (SPAR)
  • Overseeing the technical efforts of a national team of universities and small businesses developing advanced propulsion concepts for the SPAR institute
  • Coordinating and executing on several systems-level integrated tests for the propulsion team. Key subsystems to be integrated include flow system, power processing, and engine head
  • Overseeing efforts at University of Michigan to implement upgraded hydrazine-compatible test facilities for propulsion testing
  • Supporting the maintenance and use of the alternative gas test facility capable of testing high-power (> 100 kW) thruster concepts

Technical lead (DARPA)
  • Serving as a liaison and test lead for projects with commercial partners (5 universities and 5 small businesses)
  • Supporting ongoing test activities on Hall thrusters, rotating magnetic field thrusters, advanced hollow cathodes, and magnetic nozzles
  • Leading development and maintenance of diagnostics
  • Assisting in maintaining a culture of lab safety
  • Assisting in the mentorship of doctoral students in the group
  • Assisting in the writing and preparation of proposals for sponsored grant research

Required Qualifications*
  • PhD in aerospace or related engineering discipline
  • Experience with cryogenic pumping vacuum systems
  • Experience with Hall thruster testing at power levels above 5 kW
  • Experience with the implementation and analysis of standard electric thruster diagnostic suites
  • Experience with hollow cathode development and power processing development
  • Experience in leadership of technical teams
  • Eligibility for USG Secret clearance

Modes of Work

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 position is subject to final administrative approval.

This is a one year term-limited position.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

279738

Working Title

Research Investigator

Job Title

RESEARCH INVESTIGATOR

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Onsite

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

College Engineering

Department

CoE Aerospace Engineering

Posting Begin/End Date

7/10/2026 - 7/24/2026

Salary

$100,000.00 - $103,000.00

Career Interest

Primary

About University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan system. The University of Michigan was founded in 1817 in Detroit, as the Catholepistemiad, or University of Michigania, 20 years before the territory became a state. The school moved to Ann Arbor in 1837 onto 40 acres (16 ha) of what is now known as Central Campus. Since its establishment in Ann Arbor, the university campus has expanded to include more than 584 major buildings with a combined area of more than 34 million gross square feet (781 acres or 3.16 km²), and has two satellite campuses located in Flint and Dearborn. The University of Michigan is a founding member of the Association of American Universities.
Learn more about University of Michigan
Size
50,000 employees
Industry
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Founded
1817
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at University of Michigan

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Research Investigator jobs:

NationwideAnn Arbor, MI