SENIOR RESEARCH ENGINEER

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

Job summary

University of Alabama at Birmingham seeks a Senior Systems Engineer to lead development of system requirements, verify documentation, and develop test plans for space-related payloads.

You will review and produce engineering documentation, supervise cross-disciplinary integration, and support flight operations as needed. Strong communication and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field required.
• Seven years of related experience required.
• Experience with requirements development and verification/validation activities.

Responsibilities

• Leads development of systems work products based on project goals, ensuring scalability and compliance.
• Oversees projects from concept to completion within timelines and budgets.
• Reviews engineering drawings and documents for compliance and feasibility.
• Collaborates with electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing teams for integrated systems.
• Ensures designs meet industry standards, safety protocols, and regulations.
• Guides and trains less experienced engineers.
• Supports meetings, teleconferences, and travel as required.
• May work nights/weekends to support real-time flight operations and testing.

Skills

Problem solving

Independent work

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Technical communication

Prioritization

Conflict resolution

Train others

Quality processes

Requirements development

Verification/validation

Spaceflight/system engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

7+ years related experience

Tools

MS Word

Excel

CAD software (SolidEdge/SolidWorks)

Job description

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)

Qualifications

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