Temporary Engineer I - Mechanical Design & Prototype Engineer, Missouri Institute for Defense & Energy

Missouri Institute for Defense & Energy (MIDE) in the Office of Strategic Innovations (OSIN) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).

The Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is a fast-growing research institute founded to solve real-world problems by synthesizing physics and engineering principals with a pragmatic, results-driven, and collaborative philosophy. Whether it's restoring health and wellness in the urban food-desert or developing state-of-the-art anti-drone technologies to protect our cities or troops, we're on it.

The team is growing and we have an outstanding opportunity for a Temporary Mechanical Design & Prototype Engineer to temporarily join our team. You would work with us in solving wicked challenges in defense, energy, and health by transitioning fundamental solutions requires a team of highly specialized, knowledgeable, and passionate individuals who seek answers to hard questions in a collaborative environment with world-class research organizations from coast-to-coast.

Job Description Duties:

• Design prototypes, parts, assemblies, using CAD, i.e., SolidWorks program which includes the parts, assemblies, drawings, file organization, COTS hardware selection and procurement, and other task pertaining to the rapid prototype manufacturing process.
• Collaborate with and support fabrication and machine shop personnel to ensure 3-D printed products are produced and post-processed and machined parts are generated as desired.
• Support the needs of the fabrication process to ensure outputs milestones and deliverables are met in support of the program mission.
• Generate reports and document findings in support of the ongoing funded work.
• Assist in laboratory organization and upkeep to support the sustainment and growth of the team's lab.

This position is 100% grant/externally funded and contingent on continued funding. This is a temporary position expected to conclude work on and not extend past October 31, 2026. This role is anticipated to work 40 hours per week.

• Certified SolidWorks Associate certificate.
• Possess or have possessed a U.S. Security Clearance.

Strongly preferred qualifications:

• B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering
• Academic research and/or industry experience (> 0 years) from which comparable knowledge and skills can be leveraged.

Preferred Qualification:

• At least one year of experience in government, defense, and or military where comparable knowledge and skillsets can be employed.
• Ability to work with, knowledge of, and experience working with 3-D printers (FDM, SLA, SLS).
• Prior experience working with academic research in higher education and STEM.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $32.50 to $34.50 hourly.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Grade: The Temporary Professional title is not graded within the Global Grading System.
University Title: Temporary Professional
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Applications are due by August 30, 2026.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position is not eligible for University benefits. Individuals in non benefit eligible positions may choose to participate in the Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (403b). For information about this plan, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement/retirement/core-voluntary-plans

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.