PROGRAM MANAGER-R&D - SR. PROGRAM MANAGER-R&D - Machinery and Energy Systems
Southwest Research Institute
San Antonio, TX
Who We Are:
The Machinery Department performs applied R&D supporting advancements in fluid-thermal energy technologies for many industries. We develop solutions through analysis and validate machinery, components, and systems for advanced power, energy transport/storage, industrial decarbonization, and other applications from benchtop to pilot scale.
Objectives of this Role:
- Develop research program areas in an applied engineering R&D team environment for power systems, supporting our clients by developing and validating energy technologies and system/component improvements to reliability, performance, sustainability, cost, or other objectives.
- Lead applied R&D projects and teams to design, analyze, install, commission, and operate industrial power systems including machinery, heaters, coolers, test rigs, and other thermal/fluid power systems and components.
- Inform internal strategic planning for technical program areas, including business development, technical capability improvements, and laboratory facility utilization and improvements.
- Provide technical leadership by mentoring less-experienced technical staff as a subject matter expert in project management, industrial systems, and/or machinery disciplines and associated methods and tools.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with department and other SwRI staff to build business opportunities for government and commercial clients through professional activities/outreach and development of new strategic capabilities via internal research funding.
- Coordinate project team activities and make individual contributions to efficiently accomplish technical project tasks, including activities such as thermodynamic modeling, power system analysis/design, test loop assembly/operation, data analysis, and reporting.
- Prepare technical publications and presentations for business development purposes. Interface with technical clients to coordinate project scope and develop proposals.
- Manage project requirements and schedules, and labor plans. Utilize project controls including earned value, schedule, risk/opportunity analysis, effective task delegation, and other tools to manage progress and interfaces including clients and subcontractors/vendors.
Requirements:
- Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related degree field with relevant experience.
- 10+ years: Experience with power system design, analysis, and testing preferred, including functional knowledge of various technical areas including thermal/fluid systems, turbomachinery, prototype design and manufacturing, and large-scale testing.
- 10+ years: Experience with energy system analysis and development over a broad range of fluid-thermal energy technologies. Proven ability to independently troubleshoot industrial power system operations and break down complex research problems into logical tasks.
- 10+ years: Broad understanding of and experience with implementation of industry-accepted standards and guidelines for design, analysis, commissioning, and testing. Experience with integration of multiple systems preferred.
- 10+ years: Past project management experience required and personnel management and/or business development experience strongly preferred. Experience managing government-funded projects preferred. Good organizational and communication skills required, including verbal and technical writing.
- A valid/clear driver's license is required.
About the Company
Southwest Research Institute
We are R&D problem solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Our multidisciplinary nature allows us to rapidly assemble diverse teams to tackle problems from multiple directions. We push the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety. Operating as a nonprofit since our 1947 inception, we work in the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of mankind. At SwRI, we tirelessly pursue innovation and excellence in science and technology for the betterment of humankind. We support work on nearly 4,000 client projects at any given time through a wide range of technical competencies with 2,574 staff members in nine technical divisions. Client services include, but are not limited to, Automotive and Transportation, Biomedical & Health, Chemistry & Materials, Computers and Electronics, Defense & Security, Earth & Space, Energy & Environment, and Manufacturing & Construction.
TECHNICAL DIVISIONS
- Applied Physics-Developing advanced electronic and microelectronic devices, power supplies, voice and data communication systems, robot test services, and payloads
- Applied Power-Using physical science research and applied engineering to produce sensors, instruments, and hardware used worldwide.
- Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses-Resolving technical and regulatory issues related to a potential geologic repository for spent nuclear fule and high-level radioactive waste.
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering-Performing research and technical services using chemistry and chemical engineering technology.
- Defense and & Intelligence Solutions-Providing advanced direction finding and tracking systems through geolocation system development.
- Fuels and Lubricants Research-Performing fuels and lubricants research activities to meet regulatory and competitive goals.
- Intelligent Systems-Providing engineering services in resaerch and development of complex systems and equipment.
- Mechanical Engineering-Improving safety, reliability, efficiency and life of new or existing mechanical components or systems.
- Powertrain Engineering-Designing and developing vehicle and engine components to achieve performance and emissions goals.
- Space Science & Engineering-Developing and managing advanced scientific payloads aboard satellites and sounding rockets.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Innovation in science and technology has been a hallmark of Southwest Research Institute since its earliest days. It's no exaggeration to say we are committed to advancing science and applying technology to benefit government, industry, and all humankind. That is our mission. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach allows us to successfully solve clients' most challenging problems. Today, we are a leader among independent, nonprofit research and development organizations. Our staff of 2,574 scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff members continues to accomplish outstanding fundamental and applied engineering and research for clients from diverse segments of government and industry. Adam L. Hamilton, P.E, President and CEO