Research Assistant (Part Time)

Job Description

Job Description

MKS2 Technologies, LLC, an award-winning high growth small business, creates innovative and customer-centric technology solutions in the areas of Cyber Security, Instructional Design and Training, Software Engineering and IT Support Services to improve the security and well-being of our clients. Our commitment to excellence and our "Mission First" orientation has resulted in steady growth and an expanding client base across government agencies. We have employees nationwide and for the past three consecutive years were named one of the fastest growing Veteran-owned companies in the nation. Please take a moment to browse through our website and learn more about what it means to serve with MKS2.

Research Assistant – Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV)

Location: Monterey, CA – Naval Postgraduate School (Onsite)
Position Title: Research Assistant / Engineering Research Scientist

Salary: $55,000-$60,000 Part Time 20 hours a week.

Position Overview

The Research Assistant – UUV supports the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Physics Department in conducting advanced experimental research on unmanned underwater vehicle technologies. This role contributes directly to Navy‑sponsored research by executing experiments, analyzing data, developing optimized designs, and producing high‑quality scientific documentation. The position requires hands‑on laboratory and field work, technical rigor, and the ability to operate independently in a government research environment.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct research studies evaluating UUV feasibility, performance characteristics, and system features
• Execute experimental research in both laboratory and field environments
• Perform data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of experimental results
• Develop optimized designs, geometries, and engineering recommendations
• Produce scientific reports, research documentation, and academic papers
• Support UUV laboratory operations, equipment preparation, and field testing activities
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and technical teams to refine methodologies and outputs
• Ensure all research deliverables meet established quality, accuracy, and technical standards
• Part‑time position: 20 hours a week.

Required Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of experience in STEM‑based experimental research
• Minimum 1 year of experience with:
• Computer‑Aided Design (CAD) and/or 3D printing
• Designing and executing research experiments
• Writing scientific reports, articles, or papers
• Minimum 6 months of experience with:

• Laboratory work involving Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)
• Field testing of UUV systems

Education

• Master's degree in one of the following fields:

• Physics
• Applied Physics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering

Clearance / Eligibility

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Ability to work onsite in a government laboratory environment

Other Required Skills

• Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD tools
• Strong experimental design and data analysis capabilities
• Ability to operate independently within a non‑personal services environment
• Strong technical writing, documentation, and analytical skills

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: MKS2 Technologies is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.