Senior Engineer (C99691)

The Senior Engineer leads the design and development of new commercial products, as well as the custom manufacturing equipment required to produce them. This role oversees daily engineering and manufacturing activities, with responsibility for identifying complex operational challenges and implementing effective technical solutions. Working closely with the Principal Investigator, the Senior Engineer will identify and evaluate external suppliers, manage outsourced work, review related contracts, and provide technical guidance and direction to participating students.

The primary work location for this position is expected to be in Asheville, NC, with the specific site currently being finalized. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement with some work-from-home flexibility. Regular travel to Cullowhee is required, typically once per week, along with periodic travel within North Carolina and occasional out-of-state travel to support grant objectives.

This position is grant-funded and time-limited, with an anticipated end date of January 31, 2028. It is classified as a temporary salaried position without full benefits and offers an expected annual compensation of $124,000.

Job Responsibilities

* Engineering Design and Technical Development (50%): Design and develop engineered products and the manufacturing systems required to produce them. This includes creating complex CAD models, developing commercial products and manufacturing equipment, building prototypes, testing product performance, conducting capability studies, resolving complex technical problems, and documenting all work.

* Product Design and Manufacturing Process Leadership (35%): Provide day-to-day technical leadership for the project, coordinating the activities of engineers, technicians, and skilled trades. Oversee product design, manufacturing processes, equipment, and installation activities. Participate in offsite project-related activities, including customer meetings, vendor visits, and strategic planning sessions. Develop and implement a document control system aligned with common engineering standards, as well as a quality management system appropriate for a medical device.

* Documentation, Reporting, and Professional Communication (10%): Prepare technical documentation and progress reports, coordinate closely with the Principal Investigator, and maintain professional communication with internal and external stakeholders. Collaborate with the Program Manager to provide information required for grant reporting.

* Student Mentoring and Technical Guidance (5%): Provide direction, instruction, and feedback to students participating in the project under the guidance of the Principal Investigator.

* Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline, or a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or a closely related field.

* A minimum of 2-5 years of progressively responsible engineering experience in product design within an industrial environment, including hands-on experience with common manufacturing processes.

Applicants must apply online.



PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.



Qualified applicants will be contacted by the department directly if selected for interview.



Please Note: Temporary employees are paid bi-weekly on an hourly basis and do not receive benefits.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.