Research Engineer

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME) invites applications for Research Engineer I–VI, commensurate with education and experience. The role spans leading applied research, equipment oversight, and collaboration with faculty, sponsors, and industry partners.

Successful candidates will have a relevant Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and increasing years of experience across the research continuum, with substitutions allowed for education or experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering relevant to the area of research.
• Level II and above require 2+ years of engineering and research experience.
• Level III–VI require progressively more experience per level.
• Substitutions allowed: additional experience may substitute for education and vice versa.

Responsibilities

• Leading applied research activities across projects and programs.
• Operating, maintaining, and repairing specialized equipment.
• Advising faculty, postdocs, students, and staff on design, modification, and analysis.
• Designing parts and systems using engineering practices and principles.
• Performing materials characterization and failure analysis.
• Developing proposals, budgets, schedules, and progress reports.
• Preparing technical reports and coordinating with sponsors and industry partners.
• Participating in strategic planning and roadmap development for NCAME.

Skills

Engineering knowledge

Research coordination

Design & analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Overview

The Auburn University National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME) is seeking candidates for Research Engineer I/II/III/IV/V/VI (level commensurate with education/experience).

NCAME was founded in 2017 through a collaboration between Auburn University (AU) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) leveraged by a signed AU/NASA Space Act Agreement. The Center is also a founding partner of the ASTM Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE). Since then, NCAME has established partnership government agencies (e.g., US Army, NIST, FAA) and industries (e.g., Boeing, GE, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Aerojet Rocketdyne).

NCAME strives to be a transitioning mechanism from fundamental to applied research aligned with the needs of industry. The Center also aims to lead and foster effective collaborations amongst industry, government, academia, non-profit organizations, and ASTM committees for ensuring a coordinated, global effort toward rapidly closing standards and workforce development gaps in AM.

Responsibilities

NCAME is seeking candidates to lead the applied research activities including:

• Performing a variety of research and development projects requiring the applications of engineering practices and principles.
• Operating, maintaining, and repairing specialized equipment.
• Advising faculty, postdocs, students, and staff with design, modification, prototype, processes, analysis procedures, and other engineering solutions.
• Designing and fabricating parts and systems utilizing engineering practices and principles.
• Performing materials characterization and failure analysis.
• Ensuring supplies are available and operational for use in projects.
• Evaluating project outcomes to develop new concepts, equipment, or processes.
• Developing proposals, budgets, schedules, and progress reports.
• Preparing technical reports for projects.
• Serving as the point of contact with the sponsors and industry partners.
• Participating and supporting the strategic planning and roadmap development for NCAME.

Qualifications

Must be a U.S. Citizen

Level I:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research.

Level II:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 2 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles

Level III:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 4 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles

Level IV:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 6 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles

Level V:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 8 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles

Level VI:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 10 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles

Some positions may require licensure as a professional engineer - Upon Hire.

SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EDUCATION: Yes, When a candidate has the required experience, but lacks the required education, they may normally apply additional relevant experience toward the education requirement, at a rate of two (2) years relevant experience per year of required education.

SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE: Yes, When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.

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

9/25/2026