Electrical Mechanical Integrations Engineer

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.

A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to- BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation's only bachelor's degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university's efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of "Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Electromechanical Development Engineer to join the development team of the Neck Strength Assessment Tool ( NSAT) - a novel medical device aimed at measuring and analyzing neck strength through both static and dynamic protocols to determine risk for TBI. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing a benchtop electromechanical prototype that integrates mechanical, electrical, and software systems to deliver data collection and controlled physical stimuli. This position is central to the Phase 1 feasibility efforts of the NSAT program and plays a critical role in the program's overall risk reduction strategy. Note, this is a temporary assignment.

Key Responsibilities:
* Lead the design, construction, and testing of a benchtop electromechanical prototype capable of executing NSAT's full patient protocol.
* Select and integrate data acquisition ( DAQ) systems and control hardware.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams including clinical, algorithm, and mechanical engineering to define system requirements, sensor specifications, and patient interaction protocols.
* Develop custom control and data processing software in LabVIEW, Python, or MATLAB for sensor integration, signal acquisition, and device control.
* Evaluate, prototype, and iterate on mechanical impulse delivery mechanisms for dynamic testing protocols using actuators, motors, and other force-generating technologies.
* Integrate and test the finalized impulse delivery solution into the NSAT benchtop prototype.
* Drive rapid prototyping and iterative testing cycles.
* Ensure system safety, reliability, and usability for human-subject feasibility testing.
* Support procurement of hardware/software components and manage vendor relationships as necessary.

* Working towards / have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
* Experience in electromechanical system design.
* Experience with test automation, real-time control, and data acquisition hardware/software (ex. National Instruments DAQ systems and LabVIEW).
* Experience in sensor integration, including force, position, acceleration, and torque sensors.
* Experience with actuator/motor control systems, including stepper, servo, and/or linear actuators.
* Hands-on skills in rapid prototyping, mechanical assembly, and electrical wiring.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly iterate on system designs.
* Effective communication and collaboration skills, especially in multidisciplinary teams.
* Experience managing small technical projects, including requirement gathering and vendor coordination.

* Familiarity with biomechanical testing equipment or medical device development.
* Experience with embedded control systems (e.g., Arduino, STM32, or Raspberry Pi).
* Working knowledge of safety and regulatory considerations in human-subject device testing.
* Experience with MATLAB/Simulink for modeling mechanical and control systems.

Please note, this is a temporary position. The length of the assignment will be based on department need with the possibility of continuation. Temporary assignments cannot exceed 11 consecutive months without a full 31-day break from employment. Employees in temporary positions are not considered permanent state employees and do not earn leave. Temporary employees are subject to the Affordable Care Act guidelines.

For more info/to apply visit http://jobs.uncw.edu. Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents - except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.