Senior Researcher Jobs in Michigan

INTRODUCTION

We are seeking a Senior Researcher / Senior Engineer to lead development of next-generation wireless sensing solutions for Future Factory manufacturing systems. This role will focus on high-precision, machine-attachable sensors that can operate in industrial environments and communicate over emerging 5G and 6G networks. The successful candidate will define sensing architectures for manufacturing equipment, prototype and validate high-resolution wireless sensors, and enable real-time data capture for AI-driven process monitoring, quality prediction, and closed-loop optimization.

The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in precision sensing hardware with strong understanding of manufacturing environments, sensor integration constraints, signal quality, and industrial deployment.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead development of wireless sensing concepts for manufacturing equipment and test systems, with emphasis on high precision, robustness, and ease of attachment to existing machines

Define sensing strategies for displacement measurement in the 1-5 micron range, force sensing at Newton-level resolution, acoustic sensing for engine and equipment monitoring, and related high-fidelity industrial measurements

Evaluate and develop sensor technologies such as MEMS-based sensors, piezoelectric sensors, optical or laser displacement sensors, strain-based force sensors, acoustic and ultrasonic sensors, vibration sensors, temperature sensors, and hybrid multi-modal sensing packages

Architect compact, low-power, ruggedized sensor nodes suitable for harsh manufacturing environments including vibration, heat, EMI, oil, dust, and cycle-to-cycle variation

Design and validate sensor packaging, mounting strategies, calibration methods, drift compensation methods, and signal-conditioning approaches for factory deployment

Partner with controls, manufacturing, automation, and AI teams to ensure the sensor outputs are suitable for downstream real-time analytics and digital twin applications

Conduct laboratory and plant-floor experiments to benchmark resolution, repeatability, latency, reliability, battery life, and wireless performance

Develop technical roadmaps for next-generation industrial sensing aligned to 5G/6G connectivity and Future Factory requirements

Support supplier engagement, prototype builds, test plans, technical reviews, and technology down-selection

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Applied Physics, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field

5+ years of industrial or applied research experience in precision sensors, instrumentation, industrial measurement systems, or smart connected devices

Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following:

• Precision displacement sensing
• Force or strain measurement
• Acoustic or vibration sensing
• Industrial instrumentation
• MEMS sensor systems
• Wireless embedded sensing

Strong understanding of sensor physics, signal conditioning, noise reduction, calibration, uncertainty analysis, and measurement-system design

Experience developing hardware for industrial or automotive environments

Hands-on experience with data acquisition systems, embedded electronics, sensor interfaces, and experimental validation

Ability to translate manufacturing problems into measurable sensing requirements and deployable hardware solutions

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work across research, engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

PhD with specialization in advanced sensors, wireless sensing, or industrial instrumentation

Experience with 5G, private wireless networks, ultra-reliable low-latency communications, or edge-connected sensor platforms

Experience with battery-powered or energy-efficient wireless sensor nodes

Familiarity with OPC UA, MQTT, industrial Ethernet, TSN, or edge-to-cloud telemetry frameworks

Experience with sensor fusion, anomaly detection, or AI/ML workflows for industrial process monitoring

Experience in automotive manufacturing, engine testing, welding, casting, assembly, or end-of-line validation

Experience with rugged product design, EMI/EMC considerations, and design-for-manufacturability

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Precision sensing and instrumentation

Wireless sensor architecture

Embedded hardware development

Signal processing and calibration

Experimental design and validation

Industrial deployment and machine integration

Cross-functional technical leadership

Supplier and prototype management

SUCCESS PROFILE

A strong candidate for this role will be able to take a manufacturing measurement challenge, identify the right sensing mechanism, design a wireless industrial sensor architecture, validate precision and robustness, and create a path toward scalable deployment in a connected factory environment.