Student - Research Assistant - Electromechanical Systems and Locomotion

Position Announcement The Student Research Assistant will support the design, development, fabrication, and testing of the terrestrial locomotion subsystem for Project SWAN, a multidisciplinary unmanned vehicle research project. The position will focus on mechanical systems used for land and seafloor mobility, including drivetrain concepts, wheels or tracks, gearing, motors, structural components, and related mechanisms. Responsibilities include developing and evaluating design concepts, creating CAD models, assisting with prototype fabrication and assembly, conducting performance testing, documenting results, and collaborating with other research team members to integrate the locomotion subsystem with the overall vehicle. Summary Of Responsibilities Design and development of the terrestrial locomotion system. Develop concepts for wheels, tracks, drivetrain, gearing, suspension, and other mechanisms required for reliable ground and seafloor mobility. Prototype fabrication and subsystem integration. Build, assemble, and modify locomotion prototypes; select appropriate motors, materials, bearings, shafts, fasteners, and drivetrain components; integrate the system with the overall vehicle. Testing, analysis, and design iteration. Conduct mobility and load testing, evaluate traction, torque, speed, durability, and performance on representative terrain, and use results to improve the design. Engineering documentation and team coordination. Maintain CAD models, drawings, calculations, test results, and design notes; communicate subsystem requirements and interface constraints with the rest of the Project SWAN team. Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications Must be a current UVU student. Currently enrolled as a student in engineering, engineering technology, mechatronics, or a related technical field. Basic understanding of mechanical systems and engineering design principles. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research and development team. Ability to safely use basic hand tools, laboratory equipment, and prototyping equipment. Basic computer and technical documentation skills Preferred Qualifications Coursework or hands-on experience in electrical engineering, mechanical design, robotics, mechatronics, or electromechanical systems. Experience with CAD modeling, 3D printing, mechanical prototyping, and fabrication. Experience with welding, metalworking, structural fabrication, or interpreting engineering drawings. Familiarity with embedded systems, microcontrollers, electronic circuits, and soldering. Experience with programming languages such as Python, C++, MATLAB, or Bash. Familiarity with engineering design and simulation software, including SolidWorks, KiCad, or LTspice. Demonstrated experience applying engineering mathematics, analytical problem-solving, and iterative design techniques to functional prototypes. Experience collaborating on multidisciplinary engineering projects, integrating mechanical and electrical subsystems, and documenting technical work. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Engineering design principles, mechanical systems, and electromechanical integration. Understanding of electrical circuits, digital design, embedded systems, and microcontroller-based applications. Familiarity with mechanical design, CAD modeling, 3D printing, welding, and metal fabrication techniques. Knowledge of programming principles and applications using Python, C++, MATLAB, and Bash. Understanding of structural fabrication, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and applied engineering mathematics. Familiarity with electronic circuit design, prototyping, and multidisciplinary engineering research. Knowledge of engineering software and tools, including SolidWorks, KiCad, LTspice, and Verilog. Skills Proficiency in mechanical design, CAD modeling, 3D printing, and hands-on prototype fabrication and assembly. Skilled in MIG, TIG, and stick welding, structural fabrication, and interpreting engineering drawings. Experience with programming and software development using Python, C++, MATLAB, and Bash. Skills in embedded systems development, microcontroller programming, electronic circuit prototyping, and soldering. Experience using SolidWorks, KiCad, LTspice, and other engineering design and simulation tools. Skilled in applying mathematical modeling, engineering calculations, and analytical problem-solving to practical design challenges. Experience with system testing, troubleshooting, and iterative design improvement. Strong technical communication, teamwork, project planning, and independent problem-solving skills. Abilities Ability to independently design, develop, fabricate, and troubleshoot mechanical and electromechanical systems. Ability to apply engineering principles, mathematical modeling, and analytical problem-solving to complex technical challenges. Ability to translate conceptual designs into functional prototypes using CAD software, 3D printing, welding, and fabrication techniques. Ability to develop and integrate embedded electronics, microcontrollers, and software into multidisciplinary engineering projects. Ability to interpret technical drawings, perform engineering calculations, and evaluate system performance through testing and analysis. Ability to identify design limitations, develop practical solutions, and iteratively improve prototypes. Ability to manage project tasks, work independently with minimal supervision, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams. Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly, document engineering work, and adapt to evolving project requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr