Research Engineering/Scientist Associate III, IV, or V, Center for Space Research in Cockrell School of Engineering Full-time

Research Engineering/Scientist Associate III, IV, or V, Center for Space Research in Cockrell School of Engineering

The Center for Space Research is an organized research unit within the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. Our mission is to carry out scientific research from spaceborne platforms, in service to society, while educating all. The position will support research activities within the Center for Space Research (CSR). CSR conducts interdisciplinary research in areas including satellite geodesy, remote sensing, navigation, Earth and planetary sciences, autonomous systems, and space-related technologies. Faculty, researchers, and students collaborate across multiple engineering and science disciplines to advance fundamental research and develop innovative applications that address challenges on Earth and in space. This position is expected to contribute to CSR's collaborative research environment and support projects that integrate expertise across departments and research programs within the Cockrell School and the broader University community.

Persons in these positions will help expand our research portfolio integrating geometric and gravimetric geodesy across the Earth-Moon domain, where geodesy and PNT (positioning, navigation and timing) are inseparable and require the use of orbital assets, observations, and techniques. The techniques include precision positioning, precise orbit determination, and analysis of related time-and-frequency metrology and radiometric and laser tracking techniques. Outcomes include Earth-Moon reference frames, gravity fields, timing systems, and their interconnections, as well as architecture of the observing system required to achieve this integration. The positions offer the possibility of growing into leadership role at the McDonald Geodetic Observatory (MGO).

Contribute to one or more activities in this domain, including:

• Develop and operate the data analytic infrastructure (models, algorithms, software and data systems).
• Help develop the architecture and concept of operations for geodetic infrastructure at MGO, including fieldwork.
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate results, recommendations, and project status to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to the maturation of research concepts, grant proposals, and contributes to journal publications.
• Other related functions as assigned.

All degrees in Aerospace Engineering or related fields

• Must be a US Person due to contract requirements.
• RESA-III: MS and 2 years' experience.
• RESA-IV: MS and 4 years' experience.
• RESA-V: MS and 6 years' experience.

At all levels:

• Recent experience in state of the art in satellite geodesy or geometric geodesy.
• Recent experience with scientific programming and scientific data analysis.

Proficiency in, or demonstrated ability to quickly become proficient in:

• Spaceflight mechanics and Orbit determination.
• Precise terrestrial positioning and geometric geodesy.
• Use of radiometric and laser ranging techniques for orbit determination and PNT.
• Systems engineering design process for engineering observation systems.
• Experiment design and simulation of experiments using computational methods.
• Geodetic fieldwork.

RESA-III – $85,000+ depending on qualifications and experience.

RESA-IV – $96,000+ depending on qualifications and experience

RESA V – $118,000+ depending on qualifications and experience

• Multi-day fieldwork campaigns, at the McDonald Observatory and other locations.
• May work around standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity (ex: using a mouse)
• Climbing of stairs
• Work Shift: Monday – Friday, typical office hours plus occasional after-hours work.

• Resume/CV
• Letter of interest with your vision for geodetic science.
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor