TTI Research Engineer

Job Description

Who are we?

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is an agency of the State of Texas and member of The Texas A&M University System.

For 70 years, TTI has addressed complex transportation challenges and opportunities with innovation, objectivity, and unmatched technical expertise.

Our staff delivers excellence, value and thought leadership to ensure our research sponsors achieve their goals.

Our Mission and Vision

Our Vision - TTI leads in the creation of knowledge that transforms transportation for the benefit of society.

Our Mission - TTI delivers practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the movement of people, data and goods through research, education and technology transfer.

Our Work Environment

Entrepreneurial culture

Affiliation with Texas A&M University students and faculty

Ability to work with nationally recognized experts

Ability to help train the next generation of transportation professionals

Premier office and research facilities and equipment

Accredited laboratories and safety proving ground

Outstanding research support services

Hybrid work environment / telecommuting

Flexible work hours

Family friendly

High staff retention rates

Leadership development and wellness programs

Data allowance and home office equipment reimbursements

Relocation assistance (if eligible)

Tuition reimbursement program (if eligible)

Our Employee Benefits

TTI employees can choose from several health coverage options offered by The Texas A&M University System for themselves and their families, as well as numerous other benefit programs.

you need to know

TTI is a Texas based agency. This position has the flexibility of a hybrid remote option with two days in a TTI Texas based office.

This can be discussed further during the interview process.

The salary range for position is commensurate. Final salary will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications and experience.

Job Summary :

This position is reserved for an individual whose accomplishments reflect scientific and / or professional achievement recognized beyond immediate peers / colleagues.

Incumbent is widely recognized by key customers / grantors / investigators as being central to their mission and plays a key role in the acquisition of research funding and identifying sources of new contract funding.

Incumbent in this position will perform design, coordination, supervision, evaluation, and quality-control of research projects of significant scope and importance.

The incumbent is expected to PI on self-initiated research projects, develop new research initiatives, contribute to strategic research goals, provide coordination and leadership of more junior research staff on specific projects, and obtain and maintain extramurally-funded research projects.

Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of funding derived from research program or specific projects.

Essential Duties :

Applied research and management duties (55%)

Responsible for the overall direction and management of a work program, which includes the day-to-day supervision, planning, administration, evaluation, and implementation of the program’s research functions.

These duties include project management, supervision, data collection, data analysis, and work coordination. Must demonstrate ability to manage multiple projects as principal investigator through managing time, budgets, and progress of work to meet sponsor expectations.

Serve as the primary contact with sponsors for complex projects that involve multi-disciplinary teams representing different divisions and programs.

Plan, schedule, coordinate, and report detailed phases of research and development projects. Evaluate and document data collection requirements and activities.

Coordinate data gathering activities and gather data needed for project tasks. Assemble, organize, document, and archive datasets.

Develop data models and metadata. Synthesize data and extract meaningful statistics and trends. Develop and / or run applications to conduct the research.

Analyze and document business processes. Analyze and develop potential new techniques, policies, procedures, and recommendations.

Manage, communicate, and coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams comprising research staff, graduate and undergraduate students, and support staff.

Ensure the completion of research objectives and timely delivery of high-quality project deliverables.

Business development (5%)

Develop and maintain relationships with sponsors, including non-traditional ones. Proactively brainstorm, develop and present innovative project ideas and concepts and research needs statements to potential sponsors.

Identify opportunities to take the program’s skillset to ventures outside the realm of transportation where new business opportunities may exist for TTI.

Build potential teaming relationships with other partners. Lead and assist in effective proposal preparation to potential sponsors.

Identify and pursue independent research funding opportunities. Independently maintain or contribute to extramurally funded research

Staff management and supervision (5%)

Manage, develop, and mentor staff, including professional and career development needs, provide continual and annual performance evaluation feedback, approve time and effort, and approve leave requests.

Supervise senior and junior staff general work performance including day-to-day direct assignments for junior staff.

Report preparation and presentations (25%)

Compile, document, and present results in formats required for inclusion in reports, technical memoranda, and presentations.

Prepare technical documentation, including data collection, analysis, and summaries. Prepare project reports and other deliverables as required.

Prepare materials for presentation of research results and other deliverables at technical meetings or other venues and to sponsors.

Prepare and give presentations to existing and potential sponsors, academic settings, or conference setting. Schedule, prepare, conduct, and document project meetings with sponsors.

Program asset management (5%)

Ensure that the program’s vehicle, tools, and other data collection assets are organized and maintained. Maintain records of the availability and condition of program assets.

Other non-essential duties as deemed necessary. (5%)

Required Education and Experience :

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field.

Licensed as a Professional Engineer in TX, or ability to become licensed within six months.

8 years related work experience including 5 years’ experience in a supervisory and management role.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies as a Researcher :

Special expertise in one or more areas of transportation engineering to include signal operations, intelligent transportation systems, communications, and safety analysis.

Quality Research / Technical Work : Must be a recognized expert in area. Must be able to direct research of significant scope.

Responsible for selecting team, liaising with sponsor, manage project deliverable schedules, conceptualize deliverables, and ultimately responsible for successful completion of projects.

Salary Coverage : Must be able to cover own salary plus supervise team members in area of expertise / develop research opportunities for junior team members.

Expected to contribute to Program and Division Management expenses. Must be able to maintain a sustainable, focused research program.

Technical Skills : Keep technical skills relevant / updated and learn new skills. Must be able to adapt to changing technology needs / working environment.

Marketing and Promoting Research / Technical Work : Must be able to identify sponsor opportunities, liaise with sponsors, write proposals.

Must have recognition and ability to network to develop multi agency proposals. Author, co-author papers. Able to present work / projects in technical and professional settings.

Participate in professional societies ITE, ITS, member of TRB committee etc.

Teamwork : Able to organize and maintain multi agency / external teams. Mentor team members. Successfully lead teams to ensure projects are completed on time and on budget.

Significantly greater practical experience in both the public and private sector are preferred.

Leadership roles in municipal transportation departments are preferred.

Experience generating funding and direct sponsor / client representation is preferred.

Experience managing multi-million-dollar projects is preferred.