Director, Applied Sensing

Job No: 503670
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: Research Institute Staff
Department: Applied Sensing - 250640
Pay Grade: MR1/MR2 - Exempt
Advertised: June 24, 2026
Applications close: July 01, 2026

Position Summary:
Join UDRI's executive leadership team and lead the growth and strategic direction of the Applied Sensing research within UDRI. This is a unique opportunity to secure and expand major research programs, cultivate enduring sponsor relationships, oversee a diverse portfolio of technical initiatives, and develop high-performing teams that deliver meaningful impact. Apply today to help shape the future of applied research, drive organizational success, and advance technologies that make a difference.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Digital and Systems Engineering, the Director, Applied Sensing will play a crucial role in securing new business opportunities and expanding existing testing, characterization and research programs. They will engage regularly with sponsors and clients to assess needs, monitor performance, establish long-term relationships and oversee the preparation of major research proposals.

The Director role is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to drive impactful research and technical programs within a dynamic and diverse organization. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and managing complex projects across various technical areas, ensuring that all initiatives meet compliance standards and are delivered on time and within budget. This role is essential in shaping the office's mission, vision, and strategic goals, with a strong emphasis on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as upholding key University policies related to safety and communication.

In addition to technical and business acumen, this role demands strong leadership capabilities, including mentoring office leadership and fostering collaboration within and across divisions and sectors. The office director will be responsible for the overall operations (including profit/loss) ensuring that office is being run effectively, efficiently and above required margin. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in managing business operations, leading large teams, securing significant funding, and delivering strategic results. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact on both the office and the broader research community.

Minimum Qualifications:
MR1:
1. Bachelor's degree in engineering or relevant field.
2. Over 10 years of related experience.
3. Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience.
4. Supervisory experience managing diverse teams of at least 15 or more professional employees.
5. Previous experience with managing operations of engineering/testing facilities.
6. Proven track record in managing duties such as profit/loss, budget creation/analysis and securing funding.
7. Proven track record in marketing, developing roadmap strategies to remain successful and competitive in the autonomous systems area.
8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
9. Proven success in generating $3-5 million in sponsored program revenues annually.
10. Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen and have the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

An MR2 must meet all MR1 minimum qualifications in addition to the qualifications listed below:
1. Over 15 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

1. Advanced technical in relevant field.
2. 15 or more years of related experience.
3. 10 or more years of leadership experience.
4. Supervisory experience managing 30+ professional employees.
5. Proven success in overseeing $5-10 million in sponsored program revenues annually.
6. Experience with strategic planning and implementing organizational objectives.
7. Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop leadership within the center.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

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