TTI Senior Research Engineer

Texas A&M Transportation Institute•El Paso, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position provides senior-level leadership in the deployment, integration, and operationalization of innovative transportation technologies and strategies across Texas and nationally. The role is focused on translating research, policy, and emerging technologies into real-world implementation within complex, multi-agency transportation environments, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and local partners. The position serves as a key execution leader for innovation-focused initiatives, including the coordination and day-to-day direction of activities associated with programs such as the Innovation Interagency Contract (IAC) and related deployment efforts. Responsibilities include aligning research outcomes with operational needs, guiding implementation strategies, and ensuring successful delivery of funded projects from concept through deployment. The successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience navigating transportation systems at the district and enterprise level, leading multidisciplinary teams, and advancing innovation across planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance functions as well as experience leading innovative initiatives within large public-sector transportation organizations. While contributing to proposal development and strategic growth, the primary focus of this role is the execution, coordination, and delivery of complex, funded initiatives. This position reports directly to Division leadership and plays a critical role in advancing TTI’s mission to bridge research and implementation in support of transportation safety, mobility, and system performance.

Requirements

Master’s degree in engineering.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in transportation systems, including demonstrated leadership roles.
Extensive experience working within or in close partnership with state departments of transportation, preferably TxDOT, including understanding of organizational structure, policies, and operational practices.
Demonstrated experience leading efforts across multiple phases of project delivery, including planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance.
Proven experience advancing and implementing innovative technologies or processes within transportation systems
PE license

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 20 years of progressively responsible experience in transportation systems, including demonstrated leadership roles.
Significant experience within TxDOT in a leadership role at the district or enterprise level.
Experience overseeing or supporting large-scale transportation operations or programs, including personnel, budget, and performance management.
Demonstrated involvement in innovation initiatives, including smart work zones, connected vehicle technologies, advanced traffic operations, or similar deployments.
Experience coordinating with research organizations (e.g., TTI) to transition concepts into implementation.
Experience with federal grant programs, innovation initiatives (e.g., SMART, RAISE), or interagency contracts.

Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day direction, coordination, and execution of innovation-focused projects and initiatives, including those supported through the Innovation IAC and related programs.
Serve as a primary liaison between TTI, TxDOT, local agencies, and private-sector partners to ensure alignment between research objectives and operational needs.
Translate emerging technologies and research concepts into deployable, scalable solutions within real-world transportation environments.
Coordinate across multiple projects and teams to ensure consistent execution, integration, and delivery of innovation initiatives.
Provide leadership in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of technology deployments, including connected and automated vehicle applications, smart work zones, advanced traffic operations, and related systems.
Guide project teams through all phases of delivery, including scope refinement, implementation planning, field deployment, and performance evaluation.
Support development and execution of innovation pipelines, including intake, screening, testing, and deployment of new concepts and technologies.
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with sponsor expectations, including budget, schedule, and performance requirements.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including researchers, engineers, agency staff, and private-sector partners, to ensure effective collaboration and delivery.
Support Division leadership in identifying and advancing strategic opportunities aligned with innovation deployment and operational improvement.
Contribute to proposal development and sponsor engagement, particularly where implementation, deployment, and operational expertise are required.
Maintain and strengthen relationships with key partners, including TxDOT districts and divisions, MPOs, and federal agencies.
Provide day-to-day leadership and coordination for project teams, including assigning tasks, setting priorities, and ensuring accountability.
Mentor and support staff in understanding the practical application of research within operational environments.
Foster collaboration across programs and divisions to support integrated project delivery.
Prepare and deliver clear, actionable reports and presentations for sponsors, stakeholders, and leadership.
Communicate project progress, outcomes, and recommendations in a manner that supports decision-making and implementation.
Represent TTI in meetings, workshops, and technical forums related to innovation deployment and transportation operations.