Principal Research Scientist/Engineer

Job Summary

This is a pool posting for future vacancies in this job classification.

• The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering are seeking candidates for multiple positions of Principal Research Scientist / Engineer in anticipation of securing contract funding in multiple areas of engineering and science to include fields such as modeling and simulation;
• systems engineering and integration; cyber security engineering; critical infrastructure protection; advanced manufacturing;

additive manufacturing; materials science and engineering; assured position, navigation and timing; propulsion systems and project management on multiple programs funded by government and private industry.

These positions will be located in Auburn, Alabama and will report to the Associate Dean for Research, College of Engineering.

The successful candidates may also work with leaders of other units such as Auburn’s McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, Cyber Research Center, National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence, and the Huntsville Research Center to identify and develop potential research sponsors in the strategic focus areas of Auburn University research.

Major responsibilities include providing technical expertise, through the various Auburn programs in subjects such as those listed above directly to government and industry sponsors.

Provide Subject Matter Expertise to senior leaders in government and industry related to subjects such as cyber security threats and subsequent threat mitigation strategies and methods.

Provide Subject Matter Expertise to senior leaders in government and industry related to protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure systems (energy, water, transportation, food, commerce, etc.).

Provide Subject Matter Expertise to industry and government sponsors in the broad areas of modeling, simulation, and systems engineering and integration.

Provide Subject Matter Expertise to senior leaders in government and industry related to additive manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and advanced materials.

Provide Subject Matter Expertise to senior leaders in government and industry related to vehicle dynamics and assured position, navigation, and timing.

Provide Subject Matter Expertise to NASA and industry senior leaders in payload integration including requirement definition and verification / validation of potential exploration payloads.

Provide Subject Matter Expertise to NASA and industry senior leaders in development and integration of NASA’s launch vehicles and exploration programs.

Collaborate with the nation’s community of industry, government, and academia on national policy and technology that affects various defense, aerospace, manufacturing, and related industry sectors along with federal, state, and local government agencies.

About Auburn : Auburn was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama’s best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years! Learn more about Auburn’s impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visiting It’s a Lifestyle : The Auburn / Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development.

Paralleling the exponential growth of Auburn University, the Auburn / Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest.

We’re proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town.

You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham.

If you’re new to Auburn, we’d love to introduce you. If you’re already acquainted with Auburn, we’ll keep it simple : it’s time to come home!

Our Commitment : Auburn University is committed to a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Visit to learn more about our commitment to expanding equity and inclusion for all Essential Functions Conducts contract research and creates progress and final reports as necessary;

provides technical management of research contracts and oversees the content and timeliness of contract deliverables.

Develops research proposals and budgets.

Coordinates research opportunities between Auburn University faculty and staff, local government agencies, and private industries.

Initiates and cultivates relationships with agencies and industries in order to build research and educational programs for Auburn University.

Establishes and grows research funding for Auburn University by pursuing local opportunities.

Interfaces with Auburn University faculty and staff to build an in-depth knowledge of on-campus research capabilities.

Candidate may supervise employees but supervision is not the main focus of the job; responsibilities could include training, mentoring, evaluating, and making or recommending pay, promotion or other employment decisions.

Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications PhD from an accredited institution Engineering, Science, Management Information Science (MIS), or related technical field.

Level I No experience required

Level II 2 years of professional experience

Level III 4 years of professional experience

Level IV 6 years of professional experience

Level V 8 years of professional experience

Level VI 10 years of professional experience

Level VII -12 years of professional experience

Scope of Experience :

Experience in engineering and research practices and principles or science-based programs.

Substitutions allowed :

Candidates with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree may substitute relevant experience toward the PhD requirement at the rate of two (2) years relevant experience per year of required education.

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications Minimum Skills and Abilities Knowledge of contracts, grants, budget, accounting, and finance principles is required.

Technical knowledge in advanced systems engineering or cyber security related research projects and programs is required.

Minimum Technology Skills Minimum License and Certifications Desired Qualifications Desired Qualifications Extensive experience with government agencies or industry in engineering or science-based applications.

• Additional years of combined experience in planning, directing, executing, and integrating the work and resources of government agency / industry projects or programs;
• experience in business planning and development including developing key strategic partnership and relationships with Industry, government and research Institutions;

excellent interpersonal communications skills.