Job no: 530119
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: Virginia Tech Transportation Instit
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia, Fully Remote, Hybrid
Categories: Engineering, Research / Scientific
Job Description
There are jobs. Then there are careers that foster you to be a force for good in the world. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) is a world-leading safety research center working with car companies, suppliers, and government agencies to bring about the safe development and deployment of automated vehicles on our roadways. Transportation is under transformation, so every day we are approaching problems differently to make a difference in the world (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4VWviw5JA).
VTTI seeks a qualified, ambitious Mechanical Systems Engineer interested in answering complex questions surrounding automated vehicle systems. The candidate should be an experienced engineer capable of working independently and with multidisciplinary teams to conduct and support cutting-edge research. The selected candidate will be a member of a highly capable team with experience and interests in transportation-related areas such as automated vehicle systems, ADAS, sensor/perception systems. connected vehicle systems and related technologies. Mechatronic Engineers specialists are encouraged to apply as well.
At the Research Associate Rank:
Independently contribute to the conceptualization, design, optimization, construction, and implementation of instrumentation and tests to fully assess the performance of these transportation support systems.
The candidate should have an aptitude for working with complex technological systems, applying appropriate data collection and data analysis techniques, developing robust solutions, and interpreting and communicating results.
Independently evaluate, select, and apply mechanical engineering principles, procedures, and criteria, using judgment in making adaptations and modifications to help develop the next generation of research systems.
Work performed in this position often involves applying mechanical, electrical, computer, and software engineering skills to the same project.
The candidate will be empowered to independently contribute to research projects and tasks with demonstrated success over time, providing key opportunities for advancement and career growth.
At the Senior Research Associate Rank:
Independently lead the conceptualization, design, optimization, construction, and implementation of instrumentation and tests to fully assess the performance of these transportation support systems.
The candidate should have an aptitude for working with complex technological systems, applying appropriate data collection and data analysis techniques, developing robust solutions, and interpreting and communicating results.
Independently evaluate, select, and apply mechanical engineering principles, procedures, and criteria, using judgment in making adaptations and modifications to help develop the next generation of research systems.
Work performed in this position often involves applying mechanical, electrical, computer, and software engineering skills to the same project.
The candidate will be empowered to independently lead research projects and tasks with demonstrated success over time, providing key opportunities for advancement and career growth.
Supervise/Mentor/Train and coordinate the work of graduate research assistants and others who assist in specific assignments.
Iteratively acts in concert with the research team and sponsors to define project goals, technical specifications, and overall objectives.
May be eligible to serve in a co-principal investigator capacity.
Actively participate in the procurement of new work by demonstrating facility capabilities, summarizing data, and contributing to technical white papers.
Must have a criminal background check and a valid driver's license.
Required Qualifications
For Senior Research Associate:
PhD degree in mechanical engineering or related technical field. Candidates with a lesser degree and significant experience in lieu of degree will also be considered.
For Research Associate:
Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or related technical field. Candidates with a bachelor's degree and significant progressive experience in lieu of degree may also be considered.
General:
• Demonstrable experience in transportation research or equivalent experience within a related field
• Firm understanding of engineering principles needed to analyze, verify, and interpret technology and safety research.
• Aptitude for working with complex technological systems, applying appropriate data collection and data analysis techniques, developing robust solutions, and interpreting and communicating results
• Experience participating in cross-functional teams
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
• Ability to manage, influence, negotiate, and communicate with external business partners and internal teams to meet project goals
• Strong written and oral communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
• A Mechatronics Engineering degree or related background.
• Work experience or familiarity with automated vehicle systems, ADAS, sensors, AI algorithms, and perception systems
• Proficient in data collection, processing, and statistical analysis including skills in programming (e.g., Matlab, SAS, R, Python, etc).
• Project Management experience, qualified to lead project teams and oversee project schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Starting at $80,000; commensurate with experience