Chief Engineer, Applied Research

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

• 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.