Job Title
Research Engineer - Instrumentation and Diagnostics, Levels I-IV
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 George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC), part of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), invites applications for a full-time Research Engineer I-IV in the focus area of Instrumentation and Diagnostics.
The Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC) (https://bcdc.tamus.edu/) - located on the 2,300-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 Department of Defense, 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. Our leaders and experienced personnel thrive in a dynamic environment where they get to share their passions, and strive for advancements in critical DoD areas, such as integrated hypersonics, directed energy, advanced materials, trusted AI and autonomy, robotics, FutureG, human-machine interfaces, and integrated sensors. We are looking for talented individuals to join our team and truly make an impact by helping to solve the toughest challenges for our nation's security.
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 8.25% employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS); tuition assistance; and wellness programs to promote work/life balance.
Salary:
Commensurate with experience.
Job Title:
Research Engineer - Instrumentation and Diagnostics, Levels I - IV
Job Description Summary:
The Research Engineer - Instrumentation & 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 Research Engineer works under the general supervision of the Director of Hypersonic Facilities and the Director of the Innovation Proving Grounds (IPG). The Research Engineer designs, improves, implements, and maintains data acquisition and control systems on indoor and outdoor scientific test ranges and test articles within the context of multi-disciplinary teams. The Research Engineer will work with partners internal to the Texas A&M University System (BCDC research teams, TAMU researchers, TEES personnel, TEEX personnel, etc.) and external (e.g., defense agencies, national labs, and industry organization).
Responsibilities:
Plans and conducts engineering research requiring independent judgement in the evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard engineering and scientific techniques.
Manages significant projects which may require the use of sophisticated project planning techniques.
Plans, schedules, conducts, or coordinates detailed phases of the work of a major project or in a total project of moderate scope.
Designs, analyzes, builds, and tests special-purpose equipment and/or instrumentation for research purposes in field of expertise.
Applies an analytical approach toward development of a solution of a variety of problems.
Demonstrates and applies thorough understanding of engineering methods, research protocols, assessment instruments, and data interpretation.
Designs and performs engineering experiments, tests, and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance.
Coordinates activities of engineering functions and encourages interchange of information, ideas, and techniques among various engineering fields.
Reviews and evaluates results and conclusions of research projects.
Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.- Use electrical and mechanical systems knowledge to inform the design of and changes to test infrastructure.
Develop, update, and integrate data acquisition and controls systems and associated components (including wire harnesses, PCBs, custom enclosures, and various sensors/instrumentation) into test facilities and test articles.
Create and maintain software configuration files, test scripts, and test procedures.
Monitor, maintain, and support the health and performance of data acquisition and controls systems and all instrumentation and actuators of the test facilities and test articles.
Provide mentorship/training and troubleshooting support for technicians and engineers.
Assist in the design and analysis of experiments to evaluate test articles' performance.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer - Instrumentation and Diagnostics, Level I
Bachelor's degree in engineering, science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer - Instrumentation and Diagnostics, Level II
Bachelor's degree in engineering, science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Two years of relevant experience.
Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer - Instrumentation and Diagnostics, Level III
Bachelor's degree in engineering, science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Four years of relevant experience.
Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer - Instrumentation and Diagnostics, Level IV
Bachelor's degree in engineering, science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Six years of relevant experience.
Registration, Certifications, and Licenses:
Must be able to gain and maintain a DoD (Department of Defense) security clearance.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Experience with instrumentation selection, installation, troubleshooting, and calibration.- Experience with designing. fabricating. testing, and troubleshooting printed circuit boards, instruments, amplifiers, and filters.
Experience with Data Acquisition Systems (DID. AIO- current and voltage based).- Experience with Controls Systems.- Experience with copper and fiber optic signal transmission.
Experience with data analysis and interpretation.
Proficiency in creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams.- Familiar with industrial sensors and actuators: pressure, temperature, LVDT, accelerometers, motor controllers, flow meters, relays, strain gauges, valves, and pumps.
Familiar with mixed signal electronics, power supplies, analog filtering, signal integrity, layout and grounding principles.- Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.- Proficiency in word processing. spreadsheets, databases, audio/video tools, collaboration, and other software.
Ability to handle confidential and time sensitive issues.- Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others- Ability to work with both internal and external partners and customers.
Ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force, frequently lift or carry objects weighing up to or more than 10 pounds.- Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions and through small openings.
Ability to work at elevated heights (20+ feet).
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions including high and low temperatures, rain, and high winds.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar education and experience.- Experience with cabling and avionics design and fabrication.- Experience with low and high sampling rate systems (10 Hz to 1 MHz, over long distances). - Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, CAN bus, Profinet, and Ethernet/IP. - Experience with National Instruments' LabVIEW, NI PXle, cRIO, and cDAQ systems.- Experience with Programable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
Proficiency with network architecture and topology.- Proficiency with programing and software development (Python, R, C++, etc.).
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.
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