Principal Research Scientist IV, S2

UAH College of Business; Alabama; On-site; USD 150,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

UAH College of Business seeks a senior operations lead to supervise research activities in disruptive technologies and explosive systems. You will design and execute complex experiments, manage instrumentation, and deliver high-quality documentation to government sponsors and technical stakeholders.

The role requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field and 4.5–5 years of related experience, plus supervisory and program-management skills. Security clearance (Top Secret) and US citizenship are mandatory.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Science, Engineering, or Business or equivalent education/experience.
• 4.5–5 years of full-time professional experience with disruptor technologies, explosives, fluid jets, and ballistics.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proven supervisory, program management, and technical leadership experience.
• U.S. Citizenship and an active Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and managerial leadership of research operations in disruptor technologies and explosive systems.
• Plan, execute, and manage experimental tests including design, instrumentation, and data acquisition.
• Prepare technical documentation, test reports, and briefings; present results to sponsors and peers.
• Serve as SME in disruptor technologies and characterization.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project management

Supervisory experience

MS Office

Education

Ph.D. in Science/Engineering/Business

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

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

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.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D., preferably in Science, Engineering, or Business; (Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and years of experience)
• 4.5 - 5 years of full-time verifiable professional work experience with disruptor technologies, explosives, fluid jets, and ballistics
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Must have supervisory, program management, and technical leadership experience.
• Must have an Active Top Secret Security Clearance
• U.S. Citizenship is required

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