Warren, MI, US
Senior Researcher / Senior Engineer - Next-Generation Wireless Precision Sensors
Role Summary
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.
What You'll Do
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
Required 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.
