Research Scientist for Autonomy

Job Title

Research Scientist for Autonomy

Agency

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Department

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs.  As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.

TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.

Learn more information here!

PURPOSE

The Research Scientist for Autonomy, under direction of the Executive Director, leads, designs, advocates for and implements an Autonomy Aviation research database architecture and Autonomy Aviation Sponsored Research, identifying and driving new Autonomy Aviation research opportunities, pre-staging data and research methodologies for research, improving workflows and efficiencies, as well as transforming existing research data models, mechanisms and systems. The Research Scientist for Autonomy Drives new levels of creativity, exploration and Autonomous Aviation experimentation with Autonomous Aviation Sponsored Research, data derived from awarded research and the development of next generation Autonomous Aviation research products and services.

DESCRIPTION

Functional Area 1: Administration

Percent Effort: 40%

Job Duties

• Identify, Pursue, Obtain Award for and Conduct Autonomous Aviation research studies.

• Prepare Autonomous Aviation technical reports.

• Review Autonomous Aviation literature on this subject of study and recommend improvements.

• Create metric-based materials in the form of proposals, budgets and short-range plans used to determine the progress of specific research projects throughout the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence and Innovation.

• Develop organizational change and management plan.

• Prepares data for publication and presentation.

• Writes grants proposals to acquire external funding to enhance Autonomous Aviation System research.

Functional Area 2: Compliance

Percent Effort: 30%

Job Duties

• Attends scientific meetings and seminars for Autonomous Aviation research enhancement and funding opportunities.

• Review laws and regulations pertaining to their activities in Autonomous Aviation and make recommendations related to the best methods of dealing with each problem.

• Validates strategic decision-aid models for Autonomous Aviation Policy development.

• Develops procedures to improve efficiency and safety of Autonomous Aviation.

• Maintains expertise with the latest hardware and software technologies for statistical and numerical data analyses. Keeps up-to-date on Autonomous Aviation scientific research via reading of literature, etc.

• Keep detailed notes, laboratory notebooks and equipment logs.

Functional Area 3: Autonomous Aviation Research

Percent Effort: 30%

Job Duties

• Provide Autonomous Aviation expertise in statistical/data analysis, data science management, research database architecture, data mining, data visualization both for research and communication with stakeholders and audiences, modeling, security and possess a natural instinct and track record for innovation and problem-solving in the Autonomous Aviation Domain.

• Develop/implement Autonomous Aviation research data and information management strategy to position information and analysis of data as a competitive and strategic asset.

• Serve as expert for all Autonomous Aviation data science, research database, and interactive reporting aspects and applications.

• Determine if outside technical support is needed to support Autonomous Aviation research goals.

• Seek out/build new relationships to acquire data from outside sources as they apply to Autonomous Aviation or UAS field.

• Supervise and guide the activities of Autonomous Aviation research, data development, collection, visualization and technological support.

• Collaborate with the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence (LSUASC) staff, communicate frequently with the Autonomous Aviation and UAS community.

• Assist the Executive Director and functional Department heads with setting budgets for proposed research and dissemination projects.

• Mentors students on analyzing and preparing data results in the Autonomous Aviation and UAS Domains.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PH.D. in Aerospace Engineering, or applicable Engineering discipline, field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Eight (8) years of related experience.

• Additional education/experience may be used as a substitute for the minimum requirements.

  • Master’s degree and ten (10) years of experience

  • Bachelor’s degree and twelve (12) years of experience

  • Associate degree and fourteen (14) years of related experience

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).

• Demonstrated Advanced organizational planning and problem-solving skills.

• Proven and Demonstrable Excellent attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision (self-motivated). Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

​PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five (5) years’ experience in the UAS field.

• University / Higher Education experience

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

Insurance

• Medical

  • $0 – $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).

  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:

    • Employee and Spouse

    • Employee and Children

    • Employee and Family coverage

• Dental & Vision

• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

On-campus wellness opportunities

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Public Loan Forgiveness

• Book scholarships

• 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off:

• 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.

• 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.

• 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.

• 12-15 paid holidays each year.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.