Research Engineer III

Job Title

Research Engineer III

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 11 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, and the 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 with 8% employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS); tuition assistance; and wellness programs to promote work/life balance.

Salary:

Commensurate with experience.

Job Description Summary:

The George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC) invites applications for a full-time Research Engineer in Directed Energy / High-Energy Laser related technologies. 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 fields; 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), the National Aerothermochemistry and Hypersonics Laboratory (NAL), and the Ballistic, Aero-Optics and Materials (BAM) Range.
The BCDC - located on the 2,000-acre RELLIS Campus in Bryan, TX - is an ecosystem for agile technology development and service-member-inspired research. The BCDC is the result of a partnership between the U.S. Army Futures Command and The Texas A&M University System and the State of Texas. The $200 million complex is designed to bring together researchers from U.S. universities, the military and the private sector for collaboration, demonstrations, and high-tech testing of initiatives to help accelerate military innovation for our nation’s defense.
The ALLEMO is a multipurpose laboratory that integrates a range of laser-based and plasma-based technologies to facilitate aerodynamic and aero-optic research and 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 NAL, providing 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 is a new national-asset facility for development and testing of laser propagation and hypersonic interactions. It is an 8-foot diameter, 1 km long enclosed tube with a hypervelocity impact test cell, a rail guided hypersonic test track, and a one-meter diameter clear path for aero-optic and directed energy applications. Variable pressure, variable gas constituents, variable aerosol/particulate loading and “controlled” turbulence permit testing under simulated real-life conditions as well as for predictive model development and validation. Optical access and advanced instrumentation including MHz rate burst mode lasers provide unique measurement capabilities. BAM is currently under construction at the RELLIS campus with a 500-meter first phase operation scheduled for early 2024.

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.

- Plans, develops, coordinates, and directs a large and significant project, or 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 directs/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 Engineering, Science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Four years of related experience.

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

Registration, Certifications, and Licenses:

- Must be able to obtain a U.S. Government 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.

- Familiarity with principles of Agile project management and technology development.

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

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/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.