Job Description
Job TitleResearch Engineer IV
Agency
Texas A&M Engineering
Department
Energy Systems Lab
Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate
Job LocationBryan, Texas
Job TypeStaff
Job Description
Why work for Texas A&M Engineering?
Engineering has been part of Texas A&M University since its opening in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. Today, the College of Engineering is the largest college on the College Station campus with more than 25,000 engineering students enrolled in 15 departments. Its mission is to serve Texas, the nation and the global community by providing engineering graduates who are well-founded in engineering fundamentals, instilled with the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior, and prepared to meet the complex technical challenges of society.
As the research arm of Engineering, the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) is a state agency within the Texas A&M University System with a mission to improve lives through basic and applied engineering research, workforce development and technology transition. Our collaborations with industry, academia and government provide cutting-edge solutions to global technical challenges.
We are deeply committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce that embraces our core values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Service, by offering competitive salaries, an array of benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an enriching and highly collaborative working community that is deeply passionate about our vision for higher education, research, and public service.
Job Description
Purpose:
Under general supervision, the TEES Research Engineer IV independently evaluates, selects, and applies advanced scientific and engineering research techniques, procedures, and criteria to complex, novel, and often precedent-setting research and testing assignments. Exercises considerable latitude and independent judgment in developing and adapting test methods, laboratory systems, and technical procedures. Provides technical leadership, training, and mentorship to less-experienced engineering and technical staff and graduate assistants and may directly supervise assigned personnel. The Research Engineer IV performs highly complex, specialized technical and supervisory work with a high degree of autonomy, frequently serving as the laboratory's subject-matter expert and representing the lab to sponsors, clients, and standards/professional organizations.
Responsibilities:
- Independently manages day-to-day technical operations of the Indoor Environments Lab in coordination with the Laboratory Director and the Lab Principal Research Engineer and Manager, including liaison with faculty, students, staff, sponsors, and outside agencies to meet lab and program objectives.
- Serves as the lab's primary technical engineer for fan/HVAC performance testing conducted under ANSI/AMCA 210 and ASHRAE 51, including test setup, execution, data analysis, and technical sign-off on test reports.
- Owns and maintains the laboratory's ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Management System, including documentation control, internal audits, calibration program oversight, and preparation for accreditation assessments.
- Serves as the primary technical lead (not backup) for the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) annual verification program — including testing under HVI Publications 915, 916, and 920 — the AHRI Standard 430 (Central Station Air-Handling Units) certification program, and the US EPA Energy Star program, ensuring ongoing compliance with all program requirements.
- Supervises, trains, and evaluates graduate assistants, technicians, and junior engineering staff; develops and delivers technical training and laboratory safety programs; coordinates testing schedules and workload assignments.
- Reviews and approves quotes, test agreements, invoices, status reports, and final test reports prior to client delivery; serves as primary point of technical contact for sponsor/client communications.
- Contributes to the development of research/testing proposals, grant applications, and manuscript preparation for publication or standards submission.
- Manages equipment and instrumentation inventory, procurement specifications, and calibration scheduling to ISO 17025 standards.
- Oversees intake, testing coordination, and end-of-life/disposal processing of client test specimens, including client-facing logistics.
- Maintains and improves the lab's task/organizational tracking systems and calendar of program action items.
- Assists the Laboratory Director and the Lab Principal Research Engineer and Manager with lab budgeting, pricing, and procurement input as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
What We Need:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Six years of related experience.
What Is Helpful:
- Direct experience with ANSI/AMCA 210 and/or ASHRAE 51 fan and airflow performance test standards.
- Direct experience with HVI Publications 915, 916, and 920 test procedures.
- Familiarity with the AHRI Standard 430 certification/verification program.
- Familiarity with airflow test performance apparatus and test rig operation.
- Machining and/or fabrication experience.
- Mechanical engineering design/analysis experience.
- Experience operating within an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory, including quality manager or technical manager–level responsibility.
- Prior supervisory, team-lead, or training responsibility in a research or testing laboratory environment.
- Experience supporting research proposal development, grant writing, or technical manuscript preparation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Advanced knowledge of engineering/scientific research principles, protocols, and testing methodologies, with demonstrated ability to independently design and lead test programs.
- Advanced familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory quality standards, documentation management, and quality assurance/control.
- Strong familiarity with mechanical and electrical machinery, instrumentation, and laboratory test systems relevant to fan/HVAC testing, including airflow test apparatus.
- Practical mechanical/machining skill applicable to fabrication, modification, or maintenance of test rigs and specimens.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and mentor engineering and technical staff.
- Ability to independently manage client and sponsor relationships, including technical negotiations and deliverable sign-off.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to draw conclusions, make recommendations, and exercise independent judgment based on research data and findings.
- Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in fan and HVAC performance testing.
- Knowledge of word processing, web-based, and spreadsheet applications; laboratory task/data management systems.
Work Location:
About Energy Systems Laboratory:
The Energy Systems Laboratory focuses on energy-related research, energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Some of the ESL's specialized areas are optimization of commercial and industrial building operations, known as Continuous Commissioning; enhancing overall energy efficiency in buildings through research, simulation, data analysis and outreach; conducting research and calibrated testing on HVAC systems; measurement and verification of energy savings for commercial buildings; and energy efficiency in industrial facilities.
Texas A&M Engineering provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to:
Helpful Applicant Information
Required Materials for Application:
- Resume/CV
- Three work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor/former supervisor.
- Letter of interest
Applications received by Texas A&M Engineering must have all required job application data entered.
Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.
Compensation Philosophy:
- Recruit and retain a high-performing workforce through competitive compensation and career development including career pathing, coaching and skills development.
- Recognize and reward exceptional performance based on individual and team contributions to the growth and success of Texas A&M Engineering.
- Offer total rewards through flexible benefits, professional development, and work-life balance. Maintain an equitable and transparent process for compensation decisions.
- Support, reinforce, and align compensation decisions with budgetary and financial strategies to ensure growth and sustainability.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
- If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in delay of start date.
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/Veterans/Disability Employer.
