About this Undergraduate Research Assistant Engineering Tech role at Miami University
Job Title
Undergraduate Research Assistant Engineering TechDepartment
Engineering Technology Department JMWorker Type
Student (Fixed Term)Pay Information
For hourly student pay rates, please visit the Student Job Classification page on the Office of Human Resources website. For salaried student positions, contact the department for pay information.
Duration of Appointment
1 yearMaximum Scheduled Weekly Hours
1Job Description Summary
The Engineering Technology Department is seeking a motivated undergraduate student to join our research team as a paid undergraduate research assistant. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the forefront of Smart Manufacturing by helping to construct and develop digital twins, utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) and virtual commissioning technologies.Selected candidates will work directly with faculty mentors and graduate students on active research projects. You will be involved in the entire digital twin workflow, from 3D scanning real-world environments and equipment to creating detailed CAD models and implementing connectivity for real-time data integration.
Job Description
Environment Scanning: Operate 3D scanning technologies to capture detailed point cloud data of physical assets and lab facilities. You will then process this data for use in CAD and digital twin platforms.
CAD Model Development: Create and refine accurate 3D CAD models from scanned data and existing engineering drawings. You will help develop and maintain the foundational CAD backbone of the digital twin, ensuring model accuracy and integrity.
VR/AR Visualization: Develop immersive 3D renderings and interactive visualizations for use in VR and AR applications, allowing users to experience the digital twin in a virtual environment.
System Integration & Testing: Integrate digital twin models with real-time data streams from IoT sensors. You will also implement and execute virtual commissioning simulations to test and validate control software and automation processes before physical deployment.
- Currently enrolled in Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related undergraduate program.
- Completed introductory coursework in CAD/3D modeling.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive, hands-on approach to learning.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Coursework or project experience in 3D modeling, computer graphics, or VR/AR development.
- Basic programming experience in Python, C++, or C#.
- Familiarity with electronics, sensors, or microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi).
Additional Position Information (if applicable)
Required Application Documents
ResumePosting Contact Information
Amy FranckoAdditional Information
A criminal background check may be required. All campuses are smoke- and tobacco-free campuses.
This organization participates in E-Verify.
Reasonable Accommodations
Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [email protected] or 513-529-3560. Questions and follow-ups regarding requests should also be directed here.
Miami University Values Statement
Miami University is a scholarly community whose members believe that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character as well as of intellect. We respect the dignity of other persons, the rights and property of others, and the right of others to hold and express disparate beliefs. We believe in honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct. We defend the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning and combine that freedom with the exercise of judgment and the acceptance of personal responsibility.
For more information on Miami University’s mission and core values, please visit the Mission and Core Values webpage.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
Miami University, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [email protected] or 513-529-3560.
Clery Act
As part of the University’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning, and working environment, we encourage you to read Miami University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report at: http://www.MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html, which contains information about campus safety, crime statistics, and our drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus and at university events and activities. This report also contains information on programs and policies designed to prevent and address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Each year, email notification of this website is made to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students. Written notification is also provided to prospective students and employees. Hard copies of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Miami University Police Department at 513-529-2223.
Labor Law Posters for Applicants
Please visit our Labor Law Posters webpage to access all relevant and applicable labor law information.