Research Engineer I

Job Title

Research Engineer I

Agency

Texas A&M University System Offices

Department

Bush Combat Development Complex

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Bryan, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The System Offices is one of several system members within the Texas A&M University System representing one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a network of 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M – Fort Worth and the Texas A&M - RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M University System mission is to provide education, conduct research, commercialize technology, offer training, and deliver services for the people of Texas and beyond.

The System Offices, within the Texas A&M University System, provides an outstanding benefits package including, but not limited to: competitive health benefits; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS); if applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor: additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options; tuition assistance; and wellness programs to promote work/life balance.

Salary:

$4,180.17 - $6,666.66 per month commensurate with experience.

Job Description Summary:

The Research Engineer I - Laser Diagnostics independently applies advanced knowledge of scientific research or engineering principles and practices in broad areas of assignments and related fields at the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC). The laser diagnostics for hypersonics and directed energy research team at BCDC focuses on the maturation and application of novel energetic methods to provide revolutionary performance capabilities. The objective is to develop and implement laser technologies for hypersonic and directed energy applications. The successful applicant will work with subject matter experts and students to develop and apply advanced knowledge of scientific research or engineering principles and practices in fields related to high energy lasers and directed energy and/or other aerospace related applications. The applicant will have the opportunity to devise new approaches to problems encountered; to use a wide application of complex principles, theories and concepts in the specific field or field, to work on complex problems of diverse scope where analysis of situations or data requires evaluation of intangible variance factors, and to act as a principal investigator on various projects. The applicant will be expected to provide subject matter expertise and direct support for aero-optics and laser diagnostic experimental testing within the Aerospace Laboratory for Lasers. ElectroMagnetics and Optics (ALLEMO), and National Aerothermochemistry and Hypersonics Laboratory (NAHL), and the Ballistic, Aero-Optics and Materials (BAM) Range.

The ALLEMO is a multipurpose laboratory that integrates a range of laser-based and plasma-based technologies to facilitate aerodynamic and aero-optic research development. The ALLEMO facility employs laser and electromagnetic concepts to understand high-speed aerodynamics, laser propagation, long-range detection of trace hazardous gases, plasma-based methods for flow control, guiding of electromagnetic and laser radiation, and advanced energy conversion methods. The ALLEMO is collocated with the NAHL, proving complimentary laser diagnostic tools to support hypersonic research and a wide range of other research capabilities that take advantage of the NAL hypersonic wind tunnels.

The BAM Range at BCDC will be a large-scale, fully enclosed multi-disciplinary research and development facility capable of evaluating high energy laser propagation, hypersonic aerothermodynamics, and hypervelocity impact response of materials and structures. The BAM Range will help researchers investigate the influence of weather effects, like precipitation, particulates, and air turbulence, on the transmission of high-energy lasers and battlefield communications. It will also enable researchers to characterize the impact of these weather effects on realistic hypersonic vehicle materials and geometrics. The hypervelocity impact capability will facilitate the development of new armor and other protective materials systems.

Responsibilities:

- Carries out complex or novel assignments requiring the development of new or improved research or engineering techniques and procedures of interest to the Department of Defense or defense industrial base. Work is expected to result in the development of new or refined equipment, materials, processes, products, and/or scientific methods and approaches.

- Plan, develop, and coordinate several small projects with numerous complex features.

- Participates in team research activities involving faculty, professional staff, and students.

- Develops and evaluates plans and criteria for a variety of projects and activities.

- Assesses the feasibility and soundness of proposed tests, products and equipment when necessary data are insufficient or confirmation by testing is advisable.

- Plays a key role in the acquisition of research funding; identifies sources of new contract funding and participates in research proposal preparation and presentation.

- Develops technical reports and presentations and presents results of research projects to internal and external stakeholders.

- Acts as primary author or key contributor on peer reviewed journal articles, papers, and/or presentations.

- Provides ideas to improve organizational efficiency at all levels of the unit/department.

- Develops and initiates technical standards through interactions with professional societies and key clients.

- Effectively uses peer network to expand technical capability and business development opportunities.

- Participates in external seminars, workshops, professional societies, and committees.

- Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

- Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Registration, Certifications, and Licenses:

- Must be able to gain and maintain a DoD (Department of Defense) Security Clearance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly and effectively through informal and formal documents, reports, and presentations to senior management.

- Strong technical writing skills.

- Excellent organizational and project management skills.

- Highly collaborative and able to work in a team-based environment.

- Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience in the development of applied research programs enabling system integration.

- Familiarity with or willing to learn principles of Agile project management and technology development.

- M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Applied Physics.
- Background in optics, gas dynamics, nonlinear optics, high-rate materials science or solid mechanics. plasma processes and/or advanced diagnostics. 
- Diagnostics related efforts include research on methods to measure high speed flows including free stream properties, near surface phenomena and post shock wave conditions. 
- For directed energy applications the research involves methods to correct for distortions associated with the propagation of coherent and incoherent light through turbulent and partially obscuring media, and may include the development of advanced "guide star" concepts, filaments, and plasma-based methods for correction and guiding. 
- Experience in applied research and development. 

Other Requirements:

This is a security-sensitive position and is restricted to U.S. citizens only. Only complete applications will be considered for employment at The Texas A&M System Offices. Incomplete job application data could result in your application being rejected without an option to reapply. A cover letter and resume may be required in addition to a completed employment application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.