NRRI Project / Process Engineer Coleraine Labs

Research Project Specialist 1 (9742S1) Project/Process Engineer Coleraine Labs

Job summary:
Provides professional technical support for university facilities, equipment and research projects with an emphasis on efficiency in the design and execution of projects.  Often the position oversees the work of professional engineering firms and contractors, and the main contact for vendors, suppliers, manufacturers, and other entities.  Applies subject matter knowledge and experience to ensure operational effectiveness; problem solving and resourcefulness to find solutions that address scope, schedule and budgetary constraints.  Decisions are guided by policies, procedures and business plan, with guidance and support from the manager.  

Job Duties:

(60%time) 

• Prepare, schedule, coordinate and monitor the engineering aspects of assigned projects, remaining current on technological and scientific developments in the field and their potential application in project planning, implementation and control; develop data protocols, operational plans and work activities.
• Prepare or oversee preparation of engineering aspects of facilities, equipment, and research plans, monitor compliance with applicable codes, practices, QA/QC policies, performance standards and specifications.
• Cooperate and communicate effectively with project manager and other project participants to provide technical support; prepare and present data; collaborate on reports, papers and publications upon request.
• Formulates and implements short- and long-range goals for the engineering management systems as they relate to operation of the lab, including determination of engineering techniques and best practices, use of equipment, and administrative procedures; may supervise exempt and non-exempt staff.
• Evaluate, suggest alternate methods, modify or develop new procedures and techniques to aid in the investigation of a total research problem or program.
• Assist with outfitting and maintaining labs: specify, oversee installation, and test new equipment for research labs; assist with maintenance, calibration, and repair of lab equipment and tools as needed; provide training in proper use of equipment and tools.
   

(40%time)

• Work closely with Research PI’s as assigned to establish and implement research project process engineering requirements that will aid in the design and implementation of bench and pilot scale operations.
• Contribute directly to the design of pilot plant systems to ensure pilot plant functionality meets research project objectives, including QEHST and management of change requirements. 
• Assist in troubleshooting existing pilot plant operations to address issues impacting safety, quality or efficiency.
• Work with external equipment suppliers to ensure the equipment supplied meets project needs and University standards.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• BA/BS degree in Chemical or Mechanical engineering and at least 6 years work experience as a project and/or process engineer or Master’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical engineering with at least 4 years of experience project and/or process engineer.
• Project management 
• Familiarity with codes, regulations, best practices and performance standards
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary projects
• Ability to communicate and work closely with team members in a research setting 
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple, significant, projects and duties
• Excellent interpersonal skills; detail-oriented, strategic thinker, self-motivated and strong organizational skills
• Evidence of excellent written communication skills

 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Minnesota Professional Engineer License
• Excellent knowledge of design and visualizations software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks
• Advanced use of project management tools such as MS Project or equivalent
• Evidence of excellent oral communication skills
• Experience collaborating and working effectively as a leader in a diverse and multidisciplinary team environment
• Supervision skills 

Physical Requirements: Specific physical requirements or environmental exposures. You must have a driver's license, be able to lift 50 lbs., walk and stand for long periods of time. Ability to be respiratory fit tested. 

Problem solving: Varied situations that require significant analysis or interpretation; general precedents and practices used but may be modified.

Independence of Action: Existing practices are used as guidelines to determine work methods; incumbent works independently and resolves most problems without assistance.

NRRI Coleraine Labs:

Situated near Minnesota’s minerals and forestry resource-based industries, NRRI’s Coleraine Lab is a world-renowned center for minerals and biomass conversion and their connections to land, forest, and water resources.  NRRI Coleraine possesses the facilities, equipment, and highly qualified staff to conduct applied research for private and public sector clients in Minnesota, North America and around the world.  The lab has a wide range of equipment for conducting studies at both laboratories (grams/pounds) and pilot scales (tons).  Laboratory and pilot scale capabilities include mineral characterization, mineral processing, metallurgy, and biomass conversion to energy and agronomic products.

Pay Range:  $85,000 - $93,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment 

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, visit the UMN Careers website and search for the Job ID number on this post. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Applicants should send a cover letter detailing their interests and qualifications (as per required/preferred qualification list), and Full CV.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for the position. Finalists will be asked to provide references.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university.  A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).