Research Engineer 3

Due to federal export control regulations, this position is limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

The COSMIAC Research Center is a nationally recognized research organization within the University of New Mexico School of Engineering that delivers applied engineering solutions for government and industry partners in areas including space systems, radiation effects, satellite communications, hypersonics, positioning, navigation and timing, and advanced computing. COSMIAC manages a substantial portfolio of externally sponsored research and operates a 30,000-square-foot research facility in Albuquerque with laboratories, high-bay and cleanroom space, satellite ground stations, and a dedicated radiation effects laboratory supporting both terrestrial and orbital testing. The center maintains long-standing partnerships with Sandia National Laboratories, the Air Force Research Laboratory, U.S. Space Command, and leading aerospace and defense companies, and provides an integrated research and technology transition environment that connects academic research with real-world mission needs.

The Research Engineer 3 is a senior, principal-investigator-level position responsible for providing technical leadership and strategic direction for complex, externally funded research programs within COSMIAC. This role emphasizes leading multidisciplinary teams of professional research staff, faculty, and students; establishing technical vision; leading proposal development and grant capture; managing funded programs; and maintaining strong sponsor relationships.

As New Mexico’s flagship R1 research university, UNM offers a collaborative and well-supported research environment with extensive federal partnerships and the institutional capacity to sustain long-term, high-impact research programs. Located in Albuquerque, the university benefits from close proximity to national laboratories and military installations, along with a growing science and technology workforce. The region offers a lower cost of living, short commute times, abundant outdoor recreation, and a rich cultural environment—providing an attractive balance of professional opportunity and quality of life.

Under general supervision, plans and conducts advanced engineering research in space systems requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria. Devises new approaches to problems encountered in areas including, but not limited to: space-based communications and networking, electronics design for harsh environments, spacecraft subsystem development, control systems, radiation effects research, and mechanical systems for space applications. Provides technical leadership and serves as principal investigator on research projects of significant complexity and scope.

Note: While applications received by the best consideration date will be given priority, we will continue to accept applications until the positions are filled. If this posting is still visible, the department is actively accepting applications and continues to seek candidates to fill multiple vacancies. Please note that all positions are term, and are based on funding availability. Additional funding is expected but not guaranteed.

Duties and Responsibilities

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Professional Engineer (PE) may be required, depending upon field of expertise.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Bachelor's degree in a directly related field; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong technical writing skills with experience producing reports, proposals, or presentations for research sponsors.
• Experience working with Space systems

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html . Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.