Technical Director

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Job Title: Technical Director

Department: MERC

College/Division: Mercer Engineering Research Center

Primary Job Posting Location: Warner Robins, GA 31088-7810

Job Details: Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC), a research institute of Mercer University, provides high quality engineering, scientific, and technical support services to both government and private industry customers. Due to MERC's growing success, we are currently searching for an addition to our technical team to support the Aircraft Directorate.

The Technical Director plans, organizes, controls, and evaluates the work of the respective technical areas of the Research Center to ensure engineering services comply with the terms of each contract, standard MERC policies and procedures, and all applicable laws and regulations. Directs the assignment and development of personnel and directorate operating and capital expenditure budget requests. Directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of plans and programs, and systems to achieve short and long-term goals, objectives, and MERC work standards. Works under the supervision of the Sr. Director of Engineering and Programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for business development with new customers and new capabilities, both DoD-wide and commercial. Assists the Director of Acquisition Strategy and Senior Manager of Business Development to achieve tactical and strategic business development initiatives and objectives.

• Directs the management and execution of engineering contracts and studies. Provides technical and administrative leadership to their directorate.

• Works with the MERC chief engineers, technical leads, and program managers to plan, staff, and manage assigned programs according to and in compliance with MERC Standard Processes, to include maintaining an up-to-date detailed programmatic/technical schedule for an assigned contract and managing associated risks.

• Supports the Program Manager in the oversight of successful execution of assigned programs within budget and scope, and in accordance with program schedule.

• Regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development. Responsible for training, quarterly feedback, appraisals, safety and security, and mentoring tech leads, chief engineers and program managers.

• Conducts monthly/quarterly contract reviews with the executive staff to include the chief engineer, program manager, and technical lead, as required.

• Provides monthly manpower projections to the executive staff. Responsible for recruiting directorate personnel.

• Work in tandem with other technical directors to assign personnel across respective technical areas with the approval of the Sr Director of Engineering and Programs.

• Works with technical leads and chief engineers to identify and track training requirements. Provides input to MERC’s training strategy.

• Supports the Senior Director of Engineering and Programs and the Director of Operations with strategies to develop and retain highly competent, service-oriented staff.

• Directs and oversees the selection and management of outside contractors and consultants working in support of MERC programs.

• May act as proposal manager responsible for the development of programmatic and technical approach. Provides labor and other direct charges (ODC) estimates and manages development of proposal briefings. Working with the Senior Manager of Business Development, directs the technical responses to Requests for Proposal, Requests for Quote, BAAs, etc.

• Builds and maintains a working environment of trust and teamwork; swiftly and effectively addresses issues that interfere with a cohesive and productive working environment.

• Adheres to MERC Standard Processes (MSP) and MERC policies and procedures and assists the EPG with the development and revision of MSP.

• Protects MERC competition-sensitive, proprietary information and intellectual property from those without a need-to-know.

• Responsible for support and execution of other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• US Citizenship is required.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

• A PhD degree in a relevant engineering field (EE, ME, AE, IE, SW, etc.) or Applied Science from an ABET accredited institution and 19 years of directly related technical and managerial experience; or a Master’s degree in same and 21 years of directly related technical and managerial experience; or an undergraduate degree in same and 22 years of directly related technical and managerial experience.

• Strong analytical skills and a working knowledge of leading large cross-functional programs.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, PC application software, advanced analytic techniques, program management, organizational skills and software skills.

• Excellent critical thinking and analytical/problem-solving skills.

• Technical acumen and the ability to troubleshoot on a variety of programs.

• Communicates clearly horizontally and vertically across an organization. These communications span the gap between engineering interns to the Sr. Director of Engineer and across to other Engineering Directors, business development staff, operations staff, and clients.

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with an obsessive attention to detail.

• Superior budgeting and cost management abilities, assessing estimated costs early in the program and bringing the actual costs within budget.

• Able to perform business development activities to include customer interface, estimating and scheduling, technical proposal development, and follow-through.

• Additional requirements may be added as appropriate.

Final rank will be determined on the qualifications of the selected candidate. Application must include a cover letter and resume.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT MERC

MERC is a non-profit research institute of Mercer University, a private university founded in 1833. Established in 1987 in Warner Robins, GA, MERC employs more than 200 engineers, scientists, professors, and support staff, who provide sustainable research solutions to government agencies, the Department of Defense, and commercial customers around the world. Warner Robins and the middle GA area are located 90 miles south of Atlanta and within easy driving distance of both the beach and mountains. The area is known for its Southern-style music, food, and restaurants and has a rich cultural and art presence, along with excellent health care and schools. MERC offers a generous benefits package including health and dental insurance, retirement, tuition reimbursement, vacation/sick leave accrual, and holiday pay.

Why Work at Mercer University

Mercer University offers a variety of benefits for eligible employees including comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents), generous retirement contributions , tuition waivers , paid vacation and sick leave , technology discounts, schedules that allow for work-life balance, and  so much more!

At Mercer University, a Bear is more than a mascot: it's a frame of mind that begins with a strong desire to make the most out of your career. Mercer Bears do not settle for mediocrity or the status quo. If you're seeking an environment where your passion and determination are embraced, then you want to work at Mercer University.

For more information, please visit: https://hr.mercer.edu/prospective-employees/

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Job Family: Staff MERC Exempt

EEO Statement:

EEO/Veteran/Disability