Principal Research Scientist IV, S2

University of Alabama in Huntsville; Alabama; On-site; USD 150,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is seeking a specialist to provide technical leadership and operational oversight for research into advanced disruptor technologies and explosive systems. You will plan, execute, and manage complex experiments including fluid jets, shock waves, and ballistics, and deliver high-quality documentation and briefings to sponsors and stakeholders.

As the SME, you will drive innovation, ensure technical excellence in experimental testing and analysis, and

Qualifications

• Strong background and extensive professional experience with disruptor technologies, explosives, fluid jets, and ballistics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and management of operations of research activities while providing technical leadership in support of the development, design, and testing of fluid jets, shock waves, internal and terminal ballistics, and explosive tools.
• Plan, execute, implement, and manage experimental tests, including experiment design, test configuration, instrumentation, and data acquisition.
• Prepare and deliver technical documentation, test reports, and briefings, and present research results to government sponsors and technical peers.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in disruptor technologies and characterization.

Skills

Disruptor tech

Job description

Job no: 504255
Department: Research Institute
Work type: Staff Full-time Exempt
Location: Alabama
Categories: Research - Engineering

Purpose of the Position

The purpose of this position is to provide technical leadership and operational oversight for the research, development, design, testing, and characterization of advanced disruptor technologies and explosive systems. The role is responsible for planning, executing, and managing complex experimental programs involving fluid jets, shock waves, internal and terminal ballistics, and explosive tools. This position ensures the successful design and implementation of test configurations, instrumentation, and data acquisition, and delivers high-quality technical documentation, reports, and presentations to government sponsors and technical stakeholders. As the organizational subject matter expert in disruptor technologies and characterization, the incumbent drives innovation, supports mission-critical research objectives, and ensures technical excellence in experimental testing and analysis.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and management of operations of research activities while providing technical leadership in support of the development, design, and testing of fluid jets, shock waves, internal and terminal ballistics, and explosive tools.
• Plan, execute, implement, and manage experimental tests, including experiment design, test configuration, instrumentation, and data acquisition.
• Prepare and deliver technical documentation, test reports, and briefings, and present research results to government sponsors and technical peers.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in disruptor technologies and characterization.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong background and extensive professional experience with disruptor technologies, explosives, fluid jets, and ballistics preferred.

Published Salary (if available)

$149,636 - $156,761

Advertised

Aug 07 2026 Central Daylight Time

Applications close:

Please note, job openings are posted for a minimum of three (3) business days and may be removed from the job posting board and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.