We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results

Chief Engineer, Applied Research

Auburn
Unclassified
United States, Alabama, Auburn
1550 East Glenn Avenue (Show on map)
Aug 11, 2025
Position Details
Position Information










Requisition Number S4655P
Home Org Name Office of AU in Huntsville
Division Name VP for Research and Economic Dev
Position Title Chief Engineer, Applied Research
Job Class Code hu08
Appointment Status Full-time
Part-time FTE
Limited Term No
Limited Term Length
Job Summary
This position is located in Huntsville, AL

Auburn University's Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development is actively seeking a highly qualified professional to serve as Chief Engineer of Applied Research. This strategic leadership role is responsible for driving the structured planning, execution, and integration of multifaceted applied research initiatives across a wide array of engineering and scientific disciplines. The Chief Engineer will serve as a key figure in advancing innovative solutions, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring the impactful translation of research outcomes into practical applications.
Essential Functions

  • Leads strategic planning and proposal development for applied research initiatives, ensuring each project is grounded in sound technical methodology and a clear execution framework.


  • Develops and maintains a forward-looking technology and innovation roadmap that aligns cutting-edge research proposals with sponsor priorities and needs.
  • Provides expert guidance to research teams on technical architectures and solution designs throughout proposal development and project execution.
  • Oversees rigorous testing and validation processes, ensuring research outcomes are delivered with discipline, consistency, and technical excellence.
  • Conducts comprehensive technical reviews across a diverse portfolio of applied research projects to uphold quality and performance standards.
  • Implements robust resource management strategies for labs, equipment, facilities, and technical capabilities to maximize impact across integrated research efforts.
  • Analyzes research outcomes and global innovations to incorporate lessons learned and drive continuous improvement in future initiatives.
  • Advises faculty, postdoctoral researchers, students, and staff on design optimization, prototyping, analysis procedures, and engineering solutions.
  • Designs and fabricates advanced systems and equipment, applying industry-leading engineering and scientific principles.
  • Ensures consistent availability and operational readiness of research materials, supplies, and technologies across all projects.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
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!
Minimum Qualifications


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or Mathematics.


  • 20 years of experience in applying engineering and scientific principles and methods in integrating a large scale portfolio of technology and science initiatives.
Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications




Minimum Skills and Abilities

  • Deep understanding of applied research methodologies, systems design, and validation techniques across multiple disciplines.


  • Familiarity with emerging technologies, innovation cycles, and strategic planning frameworks.
  • Knowledge of proposal structures and competitive research environments.
  • Understanding of lab infrastructure, equipment lifecycle, and technical capability planning.
  • Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, align research with sponsor needs, and manage integrated portfolios.
  • Skilled in conducting rigorous technical evaluations, peer reviews, and validation protocols.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication for translating research into sponsor-facing deliverables and strategic reports.
  • Aptitude for evaluating research outcomes and integrating lessons learned into future initiatives.
Minimum Technology Skills
Minimum License and Certifications
Must be able to obtain security clearance
Desired Qualifications


Desired Qualifications
Posting Detail Information








Salary Range Unclassified
Job Category Other
Working Hours if Non-Traditional
City position is located in: Huntsville
State position is located: Alabama
List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position
Posting Date 08/11/2025
Closing Date
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 their website to learn more.
Special Instructions to Applicants
provide 3 references
Quick Link for Internal Postings https://www.auemployment.com/postings/55239
Applied = 0

(web-5cf844c5d-2fvnj)