AEM Wind Tunnel Lab Operations Specialist

This is a temporary appointment, which is focused on completing facilities and system updates to the Wind Tunnel system, in conjunction with Facilities Management (FM) and the department's lab/ facility coordinator. This position will assist with the FM updates to department's wind tunnels, which are used for course instruction and faculty/ external research. This position will work with FM electricians to this position to supplement their work. This will allow the project to be completed and set up in time for instruction in Fall 2026. They would also provide support to the department's Lab Manager in getting the spaces set up for instruction and help with tours/ simulations in the wind tunnel space.

Wind Tunnel Model Positioning System Modifications and Facilities Updates - 90%

• Electrical control box sourcing and populate while consulting with Facilities Management
• Verify motor function
• Design and manufacture MPS
• Write software/GUI
• Wind tunnel installation
• Modify existing models
• Write documentation

AEM Departmental Support - 10%

• Help with department tours
• Flight simulator demonstrations
• Wind tunnel usage and pricing
• Wind tunnel smoke generator setup

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years
• Experience working with instructional and research labs, in particular supporting the wind tunnel positioning system.

Preferred qualifications:

• BS in Aerospace Engineering or related field

The AEM department has vibrant and active research programs in all areas of aerospace engineering and mechanics, including fluid dynamics, hypersonics, aerospace systems, computational mechanics and aerospace structures and materials. The department is in the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota, which is a world-class research university with outstanding resources and programs in engineering and science, health sciences, social sciences and liberal arts. The AEM department has close ties with on-campus multidisciplinary centers, and convenient access to outstanding shared experimental and computational facilities, such as the Gemini-Huntley Robotics Research Laboratory of the Minnesota Robotics Institute, the Minnesota Nano Center, the Characterization Facility, the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, and the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute. More information about the department is available at https://cse.umn.edu/aem

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 equity & diversity at UMN, visit diversity.umn.edu.

Fixed Pay Rate: $20.49 per hour

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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).