Principal Research Scientist/Engineer- Huntsville (Pool)

Overview

This is a pooled posting. This posting will remain open for an extended period of time and selected applicants will be contacted as future staffing needs arise.

This is a limited term appointment. Continuation of employment will be contingent upon the availability of funding.

These positions will be located in Huntsville, AL

Auburn University’s Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development and the Applied Research Institute (ARI) is seeking candidates for multiple Principal Research Scientist/Engineer positions in anticipation of securing contract funding across a broad range of engineering and scientific disciplines. Areas of focus may include modeling and simulation; systems engineering and integration; advanced and additive manufacturing; autonomous systems: robotics; electromagnetics, mechanical and electrical systems design, thermal and structural analysis, materials science and engineering; propulsion systems; and multi-program project management supporting government and industry sponsors.

These positions are responsible for conducting advanced research to investigate, evaluate, and apply engineering and scientific principles. Incumbents will lead and contribute to innovative research initiatives, generate new knowledge, and support the development of practical solutions to complex technical challenges aligned with ARI’s mission.

Responsibilities

Leads research and development projects requiring the applications of professional engineering or scientific practices and principles.

Provides technical contributions and develops concepts that lead to new leading-edge technologies/techniques/methods.

Provides in-depth technical advice to other areas.

Operates, maintains, and repairs specialized equipment.

Advises faculty, postdocs, students, and staff with design, modification, prototype, processes, analysis procedures, and other engineering solutions.

Designs and fabricates equipment, materials, systems utilizing engineering and scientific practices and principles.

Ensures supplies are available and operational for use in projects.

May manage local computer systems for laboratory functionality.

Develops proposals, budgets, schedules and progress reports and presents results.

Evaluates findings to develop new concepts, equipment, or processes

Prepares technical reports for long and short-range planning.

Qualifications

PhD from an accredited institution Engineering, science, management information science (MIS), or related technical field. • Level I: No experience required • Level II: 2 years of professional experience • Level III: 4 years of professional experience • Level IV: 6 years of professional experience • Level V: 8 years of professional experience • Level VI: 10 years of professional experience • Level VII:12 years of professional experience

Experience for Levels II-VII should be in engineering and research practices and principles or science-based programs.

Candidates with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree may substitute relevant experience toward the PhD requirement at the rate of two (2) years relevant experience per year of required education

Contract Type

Limited Term Why Work at Auburn?

Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.

Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.

We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.

Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.

A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more. Posted Date

7/30/2026

Leads research and development projects requiring the applications of professional engineering or scientific practices and principles.

Provides technical contributions and develops concepts that lead to new leading-edge technologies/techniques/methods.

Provides in-depth technical advice to other areas.

Operates, maintains, and repairs specialized equipment.

Advises faculty, postdocs, students, and staff with design, modification, prototype, processes, analysis procedures, and other engineering solutions.

Designs and fabricates equipment, materials, systems utilizing engineering and scientific practices and principles.

Ensures supplies are available and operational for use in projects.

May manage local computer systems for laboratory functionality.

Develops proposals, budgets, schedules and progress reports and presents results.

Evaluates findings to develop new concepts, equipment, or processes

Prepares technical reports for long and short-range planning.

PhD from an accredited institution Engineering, science, management information science (MIS), or related technical field. • Level I: No experience required • Level II: 2 years of professional experience • Level III: 4 years of professional experience • Level IV: 6 years of professional experience • Level V: 8 years of professional experience • Level VI: 10 years of professional experience • Level VII:12 years of professional experience

Experience for Levels II-VII should be in engineering and research practices and principles or science-based programs.

Candidates with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree may substitute relevant experience toward the PhD requirement at the rate of two (2) years relevant experience per year of required education