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Inside Higher Ed · 3 weeks ago

Research Associate in Mechanical Engineering – Condition Monitoring and Computer Vision

Lowell, MA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$70K/yr - $70K/yr

3+ years exp

Inside Higher Ed is seeking a Research Associate in Mechanical Engineering to conduct analytical and experimental research focused on condition monitoring and computer vision. The role involves developing techniques for damage detection and system monitoring in energy systems, while also managing and mentoring students and contributing to scholarly articles and research proposals.

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Responsibilities

Conduct analytical and experimental research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI). This specifically involves:

Acquire data of targeted structures using unmanned aerial vehicles embedding different sensors such as RGB, RGB_D, and infrared cameras, LiDAR scanners, etc

Develop appropriate image processing algorithms and approaches to analyze the collected datasets

Conduct research related to differing environmental conditions and operations of the installed energy storage and power generation system

Develop a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for monitoring and control of energy systems

Develop appropriate machine learning algorithms and models to automate the detection of damage in the collected datasets

Ensuring all project-related activities are conducted on time and to the highest standard

Prepare status reports and deliverables in collaboration with and under the direction of the PI

Serve as a liaison between PI and collaborating research partners

Assist supervisor in writing scholarly articles and proposals for grant funding

The successful candidate will be expected to publish at least two articles per year in peer-reviewed scientific journals based on the research conducted. Papers and presentations in scientific conferences will also be required. Development of patentable technologies over the course of the project will also be encouraged

The successful candidate will be expected to initiate and assist in the formulation and writing of externally funded research proposals. This effort will include finding appropriate opportunities, finding collaborative partners, generating preliminary data, and proposal writing/submission

Assist in preparing programmatic reports and making presentations to the sponsor/funding agencies

Attend Meetings related to the research projects

Conduct weekly meetings between PI, Co-PI, and other group members (e.g., other Post-docs, graduate students, undergraduate students)

Disseminate knowledge by attending technical meetings and conferences nationally and internationally when required

Supervise Undergraduate and Graduate Students:

Meet weekly with each student to review their research project, progress, and papers and to develop a path forward

Provide mentorship or training to graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project

Promote the University’s commitment to customer service

Build effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the University

Ensure optimum service to all internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information

Maintain an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles

Help with the general operation of the lab and Center for Energy Innovation

Help to perform other new related duties as assigned

This role may involve occasional travel that may involve overnight or day travel both nationally and internationally

Qualification

Machine LearningImage ProcessingData AcquisitionNondestructive EvaluationComputer VisionSCADA SystemsProgramming MATLABProgramming PythonTechnical Report WritingTeam CollaborationMentoring Students

Required

MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial/Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering/Science, Physics, Applied Physics, Chemistry, or related scientific degree

Minimum three years of experience (including MS and/or PhD. research experience) in research related to structural health monitoring and image processing, data acquisition, signal processing, and experience in conducting analytical research, experimental planning and testing in laboratory environments

Ability to work as a team player

Outstanding technical report writing and communication skills

Experience in the development of computer algorithms and models for monitoring and control of mechanical, electrical and energy systems and physical parameters, as well as a computer vision and machine learning algorithms and models for structural health monitoring/nondestructive evaluation

Knowledge of image segmentation, detection, classification, and automated detection techniques

Familiarity with nondestructive evaluation techniques for the detection of geometry and damage, such as digital image correlation, infrared thermography, LiDAR, ultrasonic imaging, or other relevant methods