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Mechanical Engineer II, Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy, 96141

University of Missouri-Kansas City
parental leave, paid time off
United States, Missouri, Kansas City
Aug 21, 2025
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Job ID
57102
Location
UMKC Volker Campus
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
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Hiring Department

The Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is a fast- growing research institute founded to solve real-world problems by synthesizing physics and engineering principals with a pragmatic, results-driven and collaborative philosophy. Whether it's restoring health and wellness in the urban food-desert or developing state-of-the-art anti-drone technologies to protect our cities or troops, we're on it.

The team is growing, and we have an outstanding opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer-II. You would work with us in solving wicked challenges in defense, energy, and health by transitioning fundamental solutions requires a team of highly specialized, knowledgeable, and passionate individuals who seek answers to hard questions in a collaborative environment with world-class research organizations from coast-to-coast.

For more information about the history of MIDE and our diverse team, check out our website: www.umkc.edu/mide/

Job Description

MIDE is seeking a Mechanical Engineer-II who has experience in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), UAS policies and regulations, and UAS design and fabrication. Additional experience with radar systems, radar cross section measurements, composite mold and layups, and UAS payload integration is preferred.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

  • Act as one of the UAS pilots and UAS pilot trainers for fixed wing and multirotor UAS.
  • Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in UAS design, fabrication, and testing research to support government customers.
  • Develop, submit, and coordinate UAS exemption, COAs, etc., with the FAA in support of Group 2 and 3 UAS operations.
  • Design, fabricate, and test UAS and robotics-related systems in support of government contracts.
  • Documentation including but not limited to technical reports and briefings as required.
  • Work and communicate well within one or more teams.
  • Strong communication, both verbal and written, and organizational/time-management skills.
  • Interface with multiple engineering and non-engineering cross-functional team members.

Note: this position is fully granted funded and contingent on continued funding.

Shift

Normal Working Hours:

Full time, Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm or comparable. As a results-orientated organization, we consider flexible schedules. Expect occasional travel for research collaborations, conference attendance, and offsite briefings.

Minimum Qualifications

  • A Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
  • UAS Part 107 remote pilot certification.
  • Ability to acquire and maintain a United States security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications

Strongly Preferred:

  • A master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related field.
  • At least 3 years of experience (during or after degree acquisition) from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • FAA Private Pilot license.
  • Familiarity with UAS, Ardupilot/PX4 flight stacks, UAS design, and UAS flight testing.
  • Familiarity with UAS regulations (Part 107, new Part 108 proposed rules, COAs, etc.).
  • Experience in Department of Defense UAS/aviation research and development contracts.
  • Experience with proposal writing and subsequent project execution.
  • Experience with radar systems, radar cross section measurements, composite layups.
  • A passion for solving high-impact, real-world problems.
  • The ability to operate in agile and dynamic working environments as a core team player and independent individual.
Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Community Information

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.

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