Part TimeTemporaryEN
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Smart and Sustainable Systems Laboratory (S3 Lab) is hiring a Research Engineer to support its mission of leveraging data-driven technologies to enhance the performance and sustainability of engineered systems. In this role, the Research Engineer will update a recommendation system to predict optimal configuration settings for an exposure room of a 1.1 MW TRIGA (Training, Research, Isotope, General Atomics) Mark-F nuclear research reactor. Additionally, they will support the S3 Lab with reporting requirements for the Introduction to Production Systems certificate program and collaborate with industry partners for developing career pathways for graduates. This role involves collaborating with faculty and an interdisciplinary team to design, implement, and advance project activities in support of overall project objectives.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Minimum Qualifications:
This position requires a Master’s degree in Engineering; or a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and two years of engineering or technical engineering experience. Work experience may be substituted for the Master’s degree but may not be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; or a Master’s degree in Engineering with two or more years of work experience.
****This job is subject to Foreign Influence Screening: During the 2021 Florida legislative session, House Bill 7017 (“HB 7017”) was passed and later signed into law by Governor DeSantis. The new law modifies a variety of Florida Statutes to address concerns regarding improper foreign influence. With regard to employment at major research institutions like the University of South Florida, the new law requires thorough review of certain applicants for positions involving research.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
