Research Engineering/Scientist Associate I, II, or III

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

102d • $70,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Center for Space Research (CSR) at the University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Research Engineering/Scientist Associate I, II, or III to support spaceflight engineering activities for various missions. The CSR is an Organized Research Unit of the Cockrell School of Engineering, focusing on scientific research from spaceborne platforms. The position offers an excellent opportunity for early career engineers to learn and contribute to aerospace skills in a collegial environment. The role involves working on missions such as GRACE Follow-On and QGG Pathfinder, engaging in mission design, flight dynamics, and science data analysis.

Requirements

• RESA I: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• RESA II: Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field or BS and two years' experience.
• RESA III: MS and two years’ experience or BS and four years’ experience in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• Familiarity with space flight environment and spaceflight systems engineering.
• Strong foundation in aerospace systems and space flight dynamics.
• Programming and data analytics skills.

Nice To Haves

• Strong verbal communication and teamwork skills.
• Technical writing skills.
• Analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in systems engineering practices.
• Ability to analyze flight telemetry and housekeeping data.
• Proficiency in data analysis and programming (Python, MATLAB, FORTRAN, C++).
• Familiarity with database management systems like TimescaleDB/PostgreSQL and/or MongoDB.
• Familiarity with visualization interfaces such as Grafana and Plotly.

Responsibilities

• Support spaceflight systems engineering activities, including requirements development and verification & validation planning.
• Perform data analysis of flight telemetry and housekeeping data to monitor spacecraft health and evaluate system performance.
• Support the development of science data systems for upcoming missions, including data pipelines and quality control strategies.
• Conduct trade studies to evaluate alternative mission design approaches.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and briefings to communicate results and project status.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%).
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options.
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas with employer matching funds.
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning.
• Tuition assistance.
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets.
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card.
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees