Director, Research Engineering & Operations

Texas A&M • Bryan, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Research Engineering & Operations for the Center for Applied Communications and Networks (CACN), under general direction, provides leadership for and assists the Executive Director with the operation of the Center, and maintains responsibility for the engineering and operations and other assigned functions. The position represents the Executive Director in his/her absence and makes key operations and technical decisions. The duties include basic and applied research, development, testing and evaluation of wireless and wired networks and communications systems and applications for public safety, critical infrastructure, and national defense. This role utilizes extensive knowledge of existing network systems to lead the design, development, implementation, and testing of creative and innovative solutions to new and emerging challenges in next generation networks. The primary responsibilities include proposing, conducting, and reporting on research initiatives. The role performs as Principal Investigator (PI), Co-Pl, or subject matter expert on research projects and commercial contracts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or closely related field.
• Ten years of progressively responsible, successful, and related management, administrative, and operational experience leading wireless and transport network engineering teams in research, development, testing and evaluation projects, including at least five years of managing other team leaders and managers.
• At least five years experience in the design, development and deployment of public safety, defense, and/or critical infrastructure communications systems.
• Ability to obtain at least a Secret-level US security clearance based on a background investigation.
• Must be legally authorized to travel internationally and possess or be eligible to obtain necessary travel documents required for this position.
• Deep understanding of complex network systems, including voice, data, and video networks.
• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, such as a conferences and symposiums
• Demonstrated excellence in client relations, requirements assessment and analysis and development of statements of work.
• Demonstrated excellence in the development of winning project proposals for grants and commercial contracts.
• Demonstrated excellence in leading the research, development, testing. evaluation, and service delivery for projects in the networking and communications space.
• Demonstrated excellence in budget development and management.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Visio, ... )
• Proficiency in project management tools and software (.e.g., MS Project, MS Planner, Jira, ClickUp, ... )
• Willing and able to perform occasional travel, domestically and internationally (up to 20%).
• Willing and able to work outside normal office hours, such as when needed to keep a project on track.
• Willing and able to travel to other campuses and agency offices throughout the State of Texas on a regular basis.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Nice To Haves

• Masters degree and/or PhD in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a member of the Center's leadership team, leads the operational and engineering functions of the Center, and represents the Executive Director in their absence.
• Leads strategic planning for areas supervised and assists the Executive Director in developing and implementing an overall departmental strategic plan.
• Prepares budgets, allocates resources, and conducts planning for areas supervised to meet short-term needs and long-term sustainability of the Center Provides input to the Center's overall budget.
• Establishes performance goals and KPIs to evaluate success for areas of responsibility.
• Participates in funded projects as a Principal Investigator (PI), Co-Principal Investigator (Co-Pl), senior personnel, subject matter expert, or collaborator.
• Directs engineering and operations staff, ensures efficient workflows, and oversees data collection, analysis and reporting for research projects. Assigns responsibilities and monitors performance of project personnel.
• Conducts own research, engineering, and operations activities, develops required reports, and executes on deliverables as appropriate for each project (player/coach). Such activities include working with radios, antennas, servers, battery systems, and other types of devices in the lab or on towers or rooftops. This requires occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Supports other principal investigators and clients in RDT&E efforts, both directly and by assigning engineering and operations staff.
• Produces research and contract products as needed to meet the objectives of the project.
• Completes project deliverables according to executed contracts.
• Stays abreast of developments in the field and ensures that the engineering and operations team maintains currency in subject matter expertise.
• Attends and presents at conferences as assigned.
• Publishes articles in trade and professional journals as appropriate.
• Represents the center to the University, State and Federal agencies, and industry associations as assigned.
• Serves on US and International Standards Committees as requested. Serves on OHS, DoD, FCC, and other federal advisory boards and committees as appointed.
• Assists with definition of technical and operational requirements and innovative solutions.
• Assists with writing proposal content, including technical and operational narratives, budgets, budget justifications, and other required content.
• Recruits, hires, and supervises engineering and operations team members.
• Models ethical, regulatory, and performance standards.
• Models and promotes the open sharing of information, dedication to the team's mission, customer commitment, collaboration, and cooperation.
• Participates in training and professional development with a special emphasis on next generation networking and communications systems, leadership development, and engineering and operations management.
• Conducts professional development trainings for team members.
• Oversees and manages personnel issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• competitive health benefits
• paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• if applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor
• additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options
• tuition assistance
• wellness programs to promote work/life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director