Research Engineering/Scientist Associate III, IV, or V, Center for Space Research in Cockrell School of Engineering

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Space Research (CSR) at The University of Texas at Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering is seeking a Research Engineering/Scientist Associate at the III, IV, or V level. This position will support research activities within CSR, which focuses on interdisciplinary research in areas such as satellite geodesy, remote sensing, navigation, Earth and planetary sciences, autonomous systems, and space-related technologies. The role involves contributing to a collaborative research environment and supporting projects that integrate expertise across departments and research programs. The purpose of these positions is to expand the research portfolio by integrating geometric and gravimetric geodesy across the Earth-Moon domain, where geodesy and PNT (positioning, navigation and timing) are inseparable. This requires the use of orbital assets, observations, and techniques such as precision positioning, precise orbit determination, and analysis of time-and-frequency metrology and radiometric and laser tracking techniques. The outcomes include Earth-Moon reference frames, gravity fields, timing systems, and their interconnections, as well as the architecture of the observing system required to achieve this integration. The positions offer the possibility of growing into a leadership role at the McDonald Geodetic Observatory (MGO).

Requirements

• All degrees in Aerospace Engineering or related fields
• Must be a US Citizen due to contract requirements.
• RESA-III: MS and 2 years’ experience.
• RESA-IV: MS and 4 years’ experience.
• RESA-V: MS and 6 years’ experience.
• At all levels: Recent experience in state of the art in satellite geodesy or geometric geodesy.
• Recent experience with scientific programming and scientific data analysis.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related fields.
• Strong verbal communication and teamwork skills; technical writing skills; analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills; time-management skills to enable on-time project delivery.
• Ability to take the initiative and drive for results, and to work effectively in an interrupt-driven, fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.
• Proficiency in, or demonstrated ability to quickly become proficient in: Spaceflight mechanics and Orbit determination.
• Precise terrestrial positioning and geometric geodesy.
• Use of radiometric and laser ranging techniques for orbit determination and PNT.
• Systems engineering design process for engineering observation systems.
• Experiment design and simulation of experiments using computational methods.
• Geodetic fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Develop and operate the data analytic infrastructure (models, algorithms, software and data systems).
• Help develop the architecture and concept of operations for geodetic infrastructure at MGO, including fieldwork.
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate results, recommendations, and project status to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to the maturation of research concepts, grant proposals, and contributes to journal publications.
• Other related functions as assigned.

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, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 8.25% employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• 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: Mid Level