State of Virginia - Blacksburg, VA
posted 2 days ago
About the position
Based on the foundation of the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology, Virginia Tech launched the Virginia Tech National Security Institute in September 2021. With a presence in Blacksburg and the Washington, D.C., metro area, the institute aspires to be the nation's preeminent academic organization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research, technology, policy, and talent development, the national security institute will advance national security in pursuit of a secure America. This research and development position is based in Blacksburg, Virginia, and is part of the Institute's Mission Systems Division (MSD). MSD brings together leading researchers from aerospace and ocean systems engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, systems engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and other disciplines to address cutting-edge technological challenges across a range of platforms, including satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and drone swarms. These efforts encompass hardware development, algorithm design, sensor network integration, phenomenology analysis, and more. Qualified candidates will have relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems engineering, modeling and simulation, or space mission analysis. The selected candidates can expect competitive salary and benefits within a dynamic university research environment. This pooled position seeks individuals with expertise in any of three critical technology areas to support a growing portfolio of space-related programs: 1) Astrodynamics and Orbit Determination, 2) Modeling and Simulation of Space Systems, and 3) Spacecraft Mission Design and Systems Engineering.
Responsibilities
- Supporting the execution of university-sponsored research programs through advanced research and development
- Authoring technical reports and publishing peer-reviewed academic papers
- Assisting in the development of new research initiatives by participating in proposal teams and contributing to the business development activities of the Mission Systems Division
- Providing mentorship and guidance to students and junior researchers engaged in program-related activities.
Requirements
- Doctorate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or related discipline. Advance degree with significant professional experience in a related discipline may be considered in lieu of the doctorate degree.
- U.S. Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience.
- Experience with conducting research and development.
- Proficiency with the tools germane to field of research.
- Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing upon research projects.
Nice-to-haves
- Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level
- Interest and/or experience in working effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population
- Experience working in an academic environment
- Experience conducting research programs supporting the federal government.
Benefits
- Competitive salary starting at $90,000
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Opportunities for professional development
- Dynamic university research environment
