Research Engineer 3

Due to federal export control regulations this position is limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

The COSMIAC Research Center is a nationally recognized research organization within the University of New Mexico School of Engineering that delivers applied engineering solutions for government and industry partners in areas including space systems, radiation effects, satellite communications, hypersonics, positioning navigation and timing, and advanced computing. COSMIAC manages a substantial portfolio of externally sponsored research and operates a 30,000-square-foot research facility in Albuquerque with laboratories, high-bay, and cleanroom space, satellite ground stations, and a dedicated radiation effects laboratory supporting both terrestrial and orbital testing. The center maintains long-standing partnerships with Sandia National Laboratories, the Air Force Research Laboratory, U.S. Space Command, and leading aerospace and defense companies, and provides an integrated research and technology transition environment that connects academic research with real-world mission needs.

The Research Engineer 3 is a senior principal-investigator-level position responsible for providing technical leadership and strategic direction for complex externally funded research programs within COSMIAC. This role emphasizes leading multidisciplinary teams of professional research staff, faculty, and students; establishing technical vision; leading proposal development and grant capture; managing funded programs; and maintaining strong sponsor relationships.

As New Mexicos flagship R1 research university, UNM offers a collaborative and well-supported research environment with extensive federal partnerships and the institutional capacity to sustain long-term, high-impact research programs. Located in Albuquerque, the university benefits from close proximity to national laboratories and military installations, along with a growing science and technology workforce. The region offers a lower cost of living, short commute times, abundant outdoor recreation, and a rich cultural environment-providing an attractive balance of professional opportunity and quality of life.

Under general supervision, plans and conducts advanced engineering research in space systems requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria. Devises new approaches to problems encountered in areas including, but not limited to, space-based communications and networking, electronics design for harsh environments, spacecraft subsystem development, control systems, radiation effects research, and mechanical systems for space applications. Provides technical leadership and serves as principal investigator on research projects of significant complexity and scope.

Note: While applications received by the best consideration date will be given priority, we will continue to accept applications until the positions are filled. If this posting is still visible, the department is actively accepting applications and continues to seek candidates to fill multiple vacancies. Please note that all positions are term and are based on funding availability. Additional funding is expected but not guaranteed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts advanced engineering research requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard engineering and scientific techniques for space systems applications, including communications, electronics, controls, radiation hardening, and space systems engineering.
• Applies an analytical approach to the solution of a wide variety of problems in space systems development or applies specialized techniques or ingenuity in selecting and evaluating approaches to unforeseen or novel problems in areas such as satellite networking, radiation-tolerant electronics design, spacecraft attitude control, or space-qualified mechanical systems.
• Demonstrates and applies thorough understanding of advanced engineering methods, research protocols, assessment instruments, and data interpretation for space systems research and development.
• Independently performs most research assignments with instructions as to the general results expected; receives guidance on unusual or complex problems; exercises substantial technical judgment in adapting methodologies to specific research challenges.
• Designs, performs, and/or oversees complex engineering experiments, tests, and data collection campaigns to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance for space systems characterization, qualification, and flight acceptance.
• Coordinates activities of engineering functions across multiple technical disciplines and encourages interchange of information, ideas, and techniques among communication systems, electronics, controls, mechanical, and test engineering domains.
• Reviews and evaluates results and conclusions of research projects, providing critical technical assessment and recommendations for future work directions.
• Writes or leads the development of grant proposals for government sponsors, including AFRL, SDA, DARPA, NASA, and other agencies; serves as principal investigator on projects of complexities consistent with above criteria, managing technical execution, budget, and schedule.
• Provides technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers, fostering professional development and technical skill growth.
• Develops innovative solutions and novel approaches to space systems challenges, including new communication architectures, radiation mitigation strategies, advanced control algorithms, or innovative mechanical designs.
• Interfaces with government sponsors, industry partners, and academic collaborators, translating mission needs into technical requirements and research approaches.
• Presents technical findings at conferences, publishes research results in peer-reviewed journals, and contributes to the advancement of space systems technology through patents and technical reports.
• Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and systems in space communications, electronics, radiation effects, control systems, and mechanical engineering for space applications.
• Manages technical aspects of research programs, including work breakdown, milestone planning, risk management, and subcontractor coordination.
• Develops and maintains laboratory capabilities, including procurement and configuration of specialized test equipment and systems for space systems research.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.