UPRI is looking for the following for the Development of a Large-Scale Shake Table for Earthquake Simulation (Qualifications and Scope of Work are defined below):

• Mechanical Engineer (1)
• Electrical/Electronics Engineer (1)
• Embedded Software Developer (1)

Note:

All interested applicants may send the following to Engr. Christopher Jeff Sanchez at [email protected] until April 25, 2025 (Friday):

• Transcript of Records
• Letter of Intent
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Work Portfolio (if there’s any)

Project Overview:

We are currently building a two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) shake table intended to simulate historical earthquake ground motion. The system will replay acceleration and velocity time series data (X and Y axes) collected from real seismic events. This platform will serve research, testing, and educational purposes.

Timeline:

• Completion Target: End of July 2025 (Tentative and can possibly be extended until Sept)
• All contracts will start by May 2025
• Current progress includes:
• Small prototypes of shake tables (2 axis, and 1 axis)
• 3D Model (CAD and URDF) for the large-scale shake table
• Tentative bill of materials

Mechanical Engineer

• Scope of Work
• Finalize CAD models of all mechanical parts (sliders, platform, shafts, supports, etc.)
• Perform static and dynamic analysis (FEA) of structural components and compute maximum expected loads and safety factors for structural integrity.
• Finalize the initial bill of materials (BOM) and cut lists for all static and moving parts.
• Oversee procurement and fabrication (cutting, welding, assembly), ensuring design specs and tolerances are met.
• Supervise stacking and alignment of the 3-level shake table assembly
• Mount and align motors and shafts precisely, coordinating with control team for correct placement.
• Design and install end stoppers, mechanical limits, and enclosure reinforcements.
• Assist during system testing phases (mechanical response, resonance identification).
• Provide mechanical insights/feedbacks during emergency and load testing (backlash, drift, etc.).
• Contribute to technical documentation (system specs, user manual, maintenance procedures).
• Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• With relevant experience in mechanical design and fabrication (preferably with motion platforms, robotics, automation systems, or vibration rigs).
• Proficient in CAD software.
• With relevant experience with FEA tools for stress/load simulation.
• Familiarity with ballscrews, couplers, linear sliders, and motor mounts.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, machining, welding, and testing.
• Knowledgeable in vibration isolation, damping systems, and backlash minimization.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

ECE/Electrical Engineer

• Scope of Work
• Electrical System Support:
• Assist in motor and power supply sizing.
• Prepare BOM for electrical components (motors, sensors, PSU, etc.).
• Handle wiring and installation of sensors, limit switches, and power systems.
• Control System Integration:
• Support motor control setup (analog input, sine wave control, servo drive wiring).
• Assist in tuning for linear motion and sweep tests.
• Coordinate basic signal interfacing (input/output between hardware and software).
• Testing & Safety:
• Support electrical aspects of system testing (resonance, repeatability, emergency stop).
• Ensure proper signal response, grounding, and safety compliance.
• Cross-functional Support:
• Collaborate with mechanical and software teams for integration and documentation.
• Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE), Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• With relevant experience with motor control, wiring, and sensor integration.
• Familiar with power systems, analog/digital signals, and safety systems.
• With relevant experience in ROS/Gazebo, signal filtering, or Hardware-Software interfacing.

Embedded Software Developer

• Scope of Work
• Hardware-Software Interface Development:
• Develop interface to convert input data (e.g., mseed) to analog output signals.
• Ensure real-time control of motors and synchronization with sensor data.
• Sensor Integration:
• Implement routines to read sensors (e.g., encoders, accelerometers).
• Plot/log sensor data and ensure accurate time-stamped recording.
• GUI & HMI Development:
• Design and implement system GUI (monitoring, control, emergency features).
• Develop software flowcharts and thread management for real-time execution.
• System Behavior & Safety:
• Implement safety features (e.g., emergency stop, limit switch behavior).
• Tune performance for system response (e.g., tracking accuracy, overshoot, delay).
• Documentation & Testing:
• Document software structure and real-time data flow.
• Support system-level testing and tuning of software control loops.
• Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in ECE, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Proficient in C/C++ or Python.
• With relevant experience in real-time systems, signal processing, and motor control.
• Familiar with serial communication, ADC/DAC, PWM, and multithreaded programming.

Please refer to job description.