Department The Office of the Vice President for Research is launching InSPIRE, the Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education, located in Panama City. We are seeking to fill a Senior Research & Project Engineer (Aerospace) position.
Responsibilities InSPIRE is designed to be a dynamic hub where applied research, development, and testing collide. It will serve as a catalyst for translating innovative ideas into practical solutions, bridging the gap between promising, but theoretical, concepts and real-world applications. InSPIRE will house unique, test and evaluation and training facilities with a focus on one-of-a-kind (high-speed) aerodynamics and advanced manufacturing. The institute will provide collaboration and co-location spaces for partner-led and industry-led innovation in testing, materials development and manufacturing, and create an environment for experiential learning opportunities. It will be the end-to-end applied technology and training center for Northwest Florida in these fields.
This senior level position will report to the institute's Executive Director. It will play a central role in defining, in collaboration and consultation with the ED and Principal Stakeholders, the requirements for advanced, high-speed aerodynamics test facilities (subsonic to hypersonic) that meet InSPIRE's strategic goals. This position will also be responsible for overseeing the planning, design, construction, calibration and commissioning of the principal aero facilities. This will be done in concert with the design and construction of InSPIRE buildings that house these facilities in Northwest Florida. These facilities play a principal role in making InSPIRE a nationally recognized institute that addresses the needs of a broad-base of aerospace, defense, and energy industry across the region, the State of Florida and the nation, allowing for both secure and open contract/grant work.
This role requires a strong and communicative leader with significant experience in managing large, technical projects across a broad swath. These range from building design & construction to management of aerodynamic-aerospace facility design, fabrication and testing to integration of diagnostic and supporting infrastructure and capabilities. Collectively, these will make InSPIRE aero capabilities nationally singular. Experience in working with varied stakeholders, including applied technologies and research, industry, academia, and government agencies is needed. The ability to operate independently with minimal guidance, excellent communication, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams is a must. The person must be able to manage projects at a high level while paying attention to details, as needed.
Primary responsibility for managing and executing InSPIRE's Aero Facilities' planning and design. Responsible for interacting with InSPIRE building's construction team and relevant stakeholders, ensuring that the building infrastructure can support the planned Aero facilities. Responsible for coordinating and managing the requirements for the capabilities and design of InSPIRE Supersonic-Hypersonic Tunnel(s), including subcontractors/teams assigned components of this work. Responsible for coordinating and managing the capabilities and design of complementary InSPIRE Aero Test and Evaluation Facilities, e.g. Propulsion test rig, Subsonic Wind Tunnel, Vehicle Integration. Responsible for managing the RFPs and RFQs for the fabrication and commissioning of InSPIRE Supersonic-Hypersonic and complementary test facilities. In charge of ensuring that the facility design and capability requirements are met by vendors. E.g. Flow quality, test parameter range – Mach number and Reynolds number. Ensure that the supporting infrastructure and contracts are in place for successful, long-term operation of InSPIRE Aero T & E facilities. Will play a key role in developing operational and cost models for sustained facility usage by Industry and other external clients. Will play a key role in coordinating and implementing various optical flow diagnostic techniques for high-speed aero facilities. Qualifications A Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering.
At least 10 years of Industry experience, post Master's degree. A least 5 years in working with/in Department of Defense (DOD) or Aerospace companies. At least 3 years of Program/Project Management of large projects, $10M/project or greater (preferred experience: working with/on DOD projects) Preferred Qualifications Experience with complex test facility/rig design, including managing and supervising subcontractors and vendors assigned to these projects. Experience in the design and operation of high-speed, high-pressure facilities and infrastructure. Experience with commissioning state-of-the art high-speed wind tunnels and similar facilities Demonstrated experience and ability to manage complex design & development projects. Experience in effectively managing a diverse team and delivering complex projects. Familiarity with advanced diagnostics used in high-speed aero facilities. Direct experience in their use is highly desirable. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with a diverse team of clients and users. Demonstrated experience in providing independent leadership on complex projects, with success - on time/budget. Contact Info Cassidy Cooksey at
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