SENIOR RESEARCH ENGINEER

University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 86,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alabama at Birmingham is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to lead the development of system requirements and verification activities for the EITD group. You will supervise documentation, support flight operations, and coordinate across multiple engineering disciplines to ensure high reliability of space-related payload systems.

The role requires a STEM degree with seven years of related experience, strong technical communication, and the ability to train junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 7 years of related experience.
• Experience with requirements development and verification/validation activities.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel; strong technical communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of system work products based on project goals, ensuring scalability and compliance.
• Oversee engineering projects from concept to completion within timelines and budgets.
• Review engineering drawings, documents, and models for function, regulations and feasibility.
• Engage with electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure cohesive system integration.
• Ensure designs adhere to industry standards, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Guide and train less experienced engineers.
• Support meetings, teleconferences, and travel as required by projects.
• May work nights/weekends to support real-time flight operations; travel for testing/launches.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Technical Communication

Problem Solving

Independent Work

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Prioritization

Process Improvement

Training Others

MS Word

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM field

Tools

CAD software (SolidEdge/SolidWorks)

Documentation/Analysis software

Job description

Senior Systems Engineering position for UAB's Engineering and Innovative Technology Development (EITD) group. Lead development of viable system requirements, track requirements and associated verification documentation, develop test plans for requirement verification activities, and provide support for flight operations for payload system for space applications. Lead development and supervise the development of detailed system engineering documents and data analysis for requirement development and verification, as well as for post-flight and pre-flight support. Review and check engineering documentation produced by others for adherence to technical specifications, quality standards, and requirements. Demonstrate effective technical communication to work closely with engineers of other disciplines to develop high reliability integrated systems.

US Citizens only.

Reports to EITD Systems Engineering Section Lead

Duties/Responsibilities

• Leads the development of systems work products based on project goals, ensuring scalability, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.
• Oversees engineering projects from concept to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and technical requirements.
• Conducts in-depth reviews of engineering drawings, documents, and models to validate functionality, compliance with regulations, and feasibility. Provides expert guidance to resolve complex design challenges.
• Engages with electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure cohesive system integration and optimal performance. Facilitates interdisciplinary problem-solving.
• Ensures designs adhere to industry standards, safety protocols, and governmental regulations. Oversees documentation efforts to maintain thorough records for audits and certifications.
• Guide and train less experienced engineers.
• Support meetings, teleconferences, and travel as required by projects.
• May be required to work nights and weekends, as necessary, to support real time flight operations. Travel to support testing and launch/return activities for approx. 7-day periods, 5-10 trips per year possible.

(Annual Salary: $85,600 - $139,100)

Bachelor's degree in a STEM related field and seven (7) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Minimal Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Ability to use various engineering and documentation/analysis software, MS Word, and Excel
• Ability to problem-solve
• Ability to work independently
• Conflict resolution skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Technical Communication skills (verbal & written)
• Prioritization skills
• Process improvement and quality skills
• Ability to train others
• Experience working within an industrial quality standard program
• Systems Engineering experience with space-flight or aerospace applications
• Experience with requirements development and associated verification and validation activities

Preferred Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Systems Engineering experience for development and production of embedded / integrated systems
• Systems Engineering experience with ISO9001 and AS9100 Quality Programs
• Operations support for NASA or commercial space activities
• Experience using CAD software (e.g. SolidEdge or SolidWorks)

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

Primary Location

University

Job Category

Professional & Managerial

Organization

440002000 Engineering & Innovative Tech Develop

Employee Status

Regular

Shift

Day/1st Shift

Work Arrangement (final schedule to be determined by the department/hiring manager)

Onsite