Subject Matter Experts for BS Electrical Engineering Technology

Western Governors University (WGU) is seeking Subject Matter Experts to participate as MET, EET, and IMT SMEs for our BS Electrical Engineering Technology degree program design project. This position is 100% remote.

Subject Matter Experts provide valuable real-world knowledge and experience to the design and development of the degree programs and courses we offer our students. This is a part-time/project-based position in which you would work with WGU as an Independent Contractor.

Must reside in the United States.

Subject Matter Experts should meet the following criteria**:**

1. Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Robotics/Automation Engineering or related fields, with a bachelor’s from an ABET accredited institution.
2. 5+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical design, product development, thermal systems engineering, or aerospace/automotive component testing as well as 5+ years working as an Electrical Engineer, Controls Engineer, Automation Specialist, Power Systems Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Manufacturing Systems Engineer, Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt, or Plant Operations Manager.
3. Previous experience in training, building virtual labs, or designing interactive mechanical simulation projects, as well as documented success in creating structured troubleshooting guides, building virtual breadboarding exercises, and setting up remote hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing parameters, designing case-study-driven curricula/training material, supply chain simulations, and virtual plant floor walkthroughs or optimization audits.

Technical & Lab Tool Requirements

1. CAD/CAM/CAE Software: Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, or PTC Creo.
2. Simulation & FEA Tools: Experience developing learning modules using ANSYS, Siemens NX, or SolidWorks Simulation for finite element analysis.
3. Digital Manufacturing & Prototyping: Familiarity with CAM workflows, CNC G-code simulators, 3D printing slicing software (e.g., Cura, GrabCAD), and Digital Twin concepts.
4. Virtual Instrumentation: Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or LabVIEW for mechanical system modeling.
5. Circuit Simulation Tools: Mastery in developing curriculum using NI Multisim, LTspice, PSpice, or Proteus for analog and digital circuit analysis.
6. Automation & PLC Programming: Direct experience with industrial automation environments like Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 (Logix Designer), Siemens TIA Portal, or Codesys.
7. Embedded Systems & Microcontrollers: Ability to build curriculum around Arduino, Raspberry Pi, TI MSP430, or ARM Cortex microcontrollers using C/C++ or Python.
8. Data Acquisition (DAQ): Experience designing remote lab concepts using NI LabVIEW and virtual bench instruments (oscilloscopes, function generators).
9. Process Simulation & Facility Layout: High proficiency in discrete-event simulation software such as FlexSim, Arena, or Witness, as well as AutoCAD Architecture/Factory Design Utilities.
10. Statistical Quality Control (SQC): Mastery in teaching data analysis utilizing Minitab, JMP, or advanced Microsoft Excel statistical packages for Six Sigma and SPC tracking.
11. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Experience incorporating PLM ecosystems like Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill, or SAP ERP into academic projects.
12. Operations & Logistics Modeling: Familiarity with supply chain modeling tools and Lean/Kaizen digital mapping software.

Project Information

Dates: 11/19 to 2/11 (Subject to slight change)

Location: Remote

Time commitment: Approximately 60 hours (Excluding Thanskgiving and Christmas week)

Compensation: $4,500.00

Other compensation and benefits: This position is for an independent contractor and is not eligible for other compensation or benefits.

Scope of work:

Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET)

SME will design, develop, and update applied coursework and digital laboratory experiences for the Mechanical Engineering Technology concentration. This role focuses on translating core principles—such as fluid dynamics, thermal sciences, stress analysis, robotics, automotive/aerospace—into practical, software-driven, and simulation-based engineering curricula optimized for online delivery. The expert will design projects that model real-world mechanical testing, digital prototyping, and manufacturing workflows.

Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)

SME will engineer robust, practical curriculum pathways focusing on electrical, electronic, and automated control systems. This expert will be responsible for designing virtual circuit laboratories, micro-credential modules, and automation simulations. The curriculum must teach students how to design, test, troubleshoot, and implement hardware-software integrations safely and effectively using modern engineering platforms.

Industrial and Manufacturing Technology (IMT)

SME will craft curriculum centered on process optimization, quality management systems, and smart factory logistics. This role focuses on teaching students how to evaluate production lines, eliminate waste, and deploy Industry 4.0 technologies. The SME will design interactive coursework that utilizes data-driven engineering tools to solve bottlenecks, model facilities, and manage production lifecycles.

Meetings/Workshops: 2 hours per week.

If you are selected, you will receive an email with the next steps to join the project. If you do not hear from us, it is because we have either filled the position or your experience/degree did not match the criteria.

Thank you for your interest.