Fraunhofer USA CMW Job Posting

Project Engineer – Systems group Mechanical Engineer

Are you passionate about, research and development and advancing the scientific field through vacuum based system design and development? The System Technologies Group at Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest is seeking a skilled and motivated Project Engineer to contribute to our cutting-edge mechanical design, and vacuum system-based research projects. As Project Engineer, you are a part of our interdisciplinary team that will play a pivotal role in design, development, maintenance, and installation of our custom vacuum-based material deposition systems. This work supports two key groups at our facility doing cutting edge research on both diamond synthesis, and barrier thin film coatings. Additionally, you will support various research projects brought in by the other groups, serving as the mechanical engineer expert, helping to drive forward Fraunhofer’s projects supported by both industry and academic collaborators.

APPLY TODAY

Overview

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is a 501c(3)  non-profit organization. Applied research is the foundation of our organization. Fraunhofer USA bridges the gap between basic research and industry aiming to accelerate technology development resulting in faster market penetration. We partner with our clients from academia, government and industry to transform original ideas into innovations that benefit society and strengthen the economy.

The Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest is located on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. The Center focuses on next-generation materials for a variety of markets, including, automotive, energy, environment, and health. The Center’s technology portfolio includes additive manufacturing, coatings, plasma sources, diamond materials, electrochemical sensors, laser applications, and water treatment.

Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest is seeking a highly motivated, reliable and technically competent individual to join our team as Project Engineer for System Technologies. In this role, you will play an integral part within our diverse team of technology experts advancing state-of-the-art vacuum process equipment for thin-film applications, prototype development and system upgrades. 

This is a salaried entry level position offering benefits including health and dental insurance, paid vacation, life insurance and pension plan. The business core working hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with an average working week of 40 hours. Project dependent work hours may be shifted outside of the core working hours as needed.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with project groups on diverse research projects, and become an expert in design work for  process equipment, system components and prototype development
  • Technical layout, planning and execution of in-house equipment installations 
  • Regular maintenance, repair and upgrade of lab-scale process equipment
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program (ISO9001) requirements. 

Required Qualifications

  • BS or equivalent experience required in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering field
  • 2-3 years in mechanical design with computer aided design (CAD , AutoCad or SolidWorks) or similar tools
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail for repairs 
  • Ability to work in an interdisciplinary, diverse and international team across organizational levels
  • Motivated self-starter with excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to supervise and lead a small team of intern engineering undergraduate students 
  • Able to set priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing needs in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced machining skills including CNC, lathe etc. 
  • Basic understanding of electrical wiring, electrical installations of equipment conforming with NEC
  • Prior experience in a research and development setting
  • Prior experience working with vacuum equipment

Fraunhofer USA is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other classification protected by applicable laws.  

Join our dynamic research group and be at the forefront of new system designs while contributing to variety of projects spanning from energy to health, to automotive. If you are a proactive and skilled engineer looking to make a difference, we encourage you to apply for the position of Project Engineer with the Systems Technologies Research Group. Take the next step in your career by sending your application today!  

APPLY TODAY

Internship Opportunities

Summer 2025 Internship Slots at CMW-CD

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is a 501c(3) non-profit organization. Applied research is the foundation of our organization. Fraunhofer USA bridges the gap between basic research and industry aiming to accelerate technology development resulting in faster market penetration. We partner with our clients from academia, government, and industry to transform original ideas into innovations that benefit society and strengthen the economy.

The Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest is located on the campus of the Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. The Center focuses on next generation materials for a variety of markets, including, automotive, energy, environment, and health. The Center’s technology portfolio includes additive manufacturing, coatings, plasma sources, diamond materials, water and wastewater treatment and laser applications.  

Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest is seeking highly motivated, reliable, and technically competent individuals to join our team. Participating as an Intern you will play an integral part within our diverse team of experts advancing novel research and development processes for a variety of markets. Interns can expect to learn the responsibilities of an engineer within our organization by taking part in several industry and government R&D projects. Interns can also expect to interact with researchers from our industrial customers as well as professors at our academic partners. This is a paid part-time position during semesters, with the opportunity to work full time during summer breaks. Applicants should be willing to start immediately. Scheduling is negotiable: we are very familiar with students’ class requirements. Interns may also get credit for their experience depending on the college’s curriculum requirements. Training will be provided; however, this position will require someone with the ability to absorb and understand technical topics, with preference given to candidates that can demonstrate this ability through experience or education.

Internship Openings

  • Additive Manufacturing Internship
  • Coatings Group Internship
  • Materials Analysis Internship
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment Internship
  • Fate and Transport of Emerging Contaminants Internship
  • Biosystems Internship
  • Systems Group Internship- Machine Software Development
  • Diamond material synthesis Internship
  • Business and Marketing Internship

Required Qualifications

  • Current enrollment in an engineering, natural science, business, or other applicable program
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Software
  • Detail oriented, reliable, responsible, and team-oriented work attitude
  • Willingness to work 12+ hours a week during the semester

Preferred Majors for Spring/Summer 2025

  • Material Science
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Applied Engineering Science
  • Advertising and Marketing

APPLY HERE

Fraunhofer USA is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other classification protected by applicable laws.