Energetic Materials Research Engineer

Lubbock

41200BR

Mechanical Engineering

Position Description

The Energetic Materials Research Engineer is a senior-level research professional responsible for leading and executing complex experimental investigations related to combustion and energetic materials. This role supports the Combustion Lab's mission to innovate, educate, and develop practical solutions for energy generation and materials science challenges. The individual in this position independently manages experimental systems, provides technical leadership to student teams, ensures laboratory compliance with safety standards, and contributes to scientific dissemination through publications and presentations.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the Department and/or College

The Department of Mechanical Engineering awarded 295 undergraduate, 40 MS and 15 PhD degrees in AY 2023-24. Department enrollment includes 1514 undergraduate students and 144 graduate students. Among the 33 tenure-track, tenured, research professors and professors of practice, roughly 30% are women and minorities. In recent years, department faculty have been awarded nearly 4 million dollars in externally sponsored research, of which 70% were from federal sources. Faculty are known for cited work on bio-inspired devices, computational mechanics, vortex dynamics, turbulence, microfluidics, nanoimprinting, physiological microstructure and translational nutrition, cardiovascular dynamics, nanomedicine, energetic and biological materials, and robust control methods. Department faculty recognitions and awards include membership in the US National Academy of Engineering and foreign Academies of Engineering and the Sciences, recognitions as Thomson-Reuters highly cited scholars, PECASE, Young Investigator DOD awards, and NSF CAREER awards. For more information about the mechanical engineering department, please visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/me/.

Major/Essential Functions

• Experimental Research - Lead design and execution of experiments involving metal fuel combustion and energetic materials; apply advanced diagnostics and data analysis; contribute to development of new experimental techniques.
• Instrumentation & Equipment - Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot complex laboratory instruments including calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, spectroscopy, ballistic testing systems, and high-speed imaging equipment.
• Project & Workflow Management - Develop and manage test plans (DOE); oversee student-supported projects; coordinate experimental timelines and resources; interface with external research partners and sponsors.
• Student Mentorship & Supervision - Mentor and guide undergraduate and graduate students in experimental techniques, safety protocols, and data interpretation; manage student project assignments and technical development.
• Safety and Compliance - Lead lab safety initiatives; author and revise SOPs; ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations regarding chemical and physical laboratory operations.
• Communication & Dissemination - Prepare technical documentation, reports, and publications; present findings to stakeholders and at conferences; deliver workshops and training sessions.

Required Qualifications

B.S. and M.S. or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline. A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in laboratory research, industry R&D, or academic engineering environments.

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

Yes

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Minimum Hire Rate

4352.42

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

None

Shift

Day

Schedule Details

8 to 5

Grant Funded?

Yes

Job Group

Skilled Professionals

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.