TEES Senior Research Engineer III - Laser Diagnostics and Directed Energy

Job Title

TEES Senior Research Engineer III - Laser Diagnostics and Directed Energy

Agency

Texas A&M Engineering

Department

Bush Combat Development Complex

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC) and Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) invite applications for a full-time Senior Research Engineer in Laser Diagnostics for Hypersonics and Directed Energy 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 hypersonic technologies and to the use of lasers for 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, TEES 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 2023. 

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.
• Leads or 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.
• Provides mentoring and training of research staff; uses national network to identify high caliber research talent.
• Works on extremely complex problems of diverse scope where analysis of situations or data requires evaluation of intangible variance factors. Acts as a principal investigator on various projects
• Participates in strategic planning. Plays a key role in the acquisition of research funding; identifies sources of new contract funding and directs the preparation of proposals and presentations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education:

• Master’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Preferred Education:

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or Applied Physics. 

Required Experience:

• Ten years of related experience.

Preferred Experience:

• Advanced diagnostics for high-speed aerodynamics, long-range detection of trace hazardous gases and pollutants.
• Plasma-based methods for flow control, guiding of electromagnetic and laser radiation, and advanced heat removal methods.
• In a supervisory capacity, plans, develops, coordinates, and directs a large and significant project, or several small projects with numerous complex features; may require the use of sophisticated project planning techniques.
• Background in optics, gas dynamics, nonlinear optics, high-rate materials science or solid mechanics, plasma processes and/or advanced diagnostics.
• High energy lasers and directed energy related technologies.
• 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. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in identifying sources of external funding.
• Experience in proposal writing.
• Experience in leading research projects.
• Experience in the development of applied research programs enabling system integration.
• 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. 

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 committed to diversity.