Position DescriptionDirects, plans, coordinates and supervises the operations and activities of a specialized unit or small department; develops and implements policies and procedures, administers the budget, organizes tasks and sets priorities. Serves as liaison with university personnel and community at large. Works under general supervision with broad latitude for initiative and independent judgement.
Major/Essential FunctionsThe candidate will work in the Institute of Sustainability and Circular Economy (https://www.depts.ttu.edu/isce/), Dr. Botte's laboratories (https://www.ceti-lab.com) and/or the NSF Engineering Research Center CASFER (https://www.casfer.us) and will perform work under her supervision and senior research associates with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of projects.
1. Mechanical Design, Prototyping, and Pilot Operations (40%)
- Direct ISCE machine shop operations
- Supervise Senior Technician and Student Assistants working in the machine shop.
- Lead mechanical design of electrochemical and process systems, including pilot units and testbeds.
- Design, fabricate, assemble, and test prototypes, testing rigs, and experimental systems.
- Modify, operate, and support pilot-scale units at CASFER and partner facilities.
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols for equipment use.
- Train and mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and postdoctoral scholars in safe and effective operation of testbeds and pilot units.
- Transfer engineering designs, operating procedures, and technical documentation to contract manufacturers and external partners.
- Communicate manufacturing requirements, tolerances, and process parameters clearly to vendors.
- Evaluate and validate manufactured prototypes for performance, quality, and scalability.
- Design system footprints for packaging and deployment; support definition of mechanical equipment and manufacturing processes required for commercialization.
- Support scale-up readiness of ISCE technologies
2. System Evaluation, Data Integration, and Optimization (20%)
- Evaluate system performance using various feedstocks and operating conditions.
- Integrate machine learning, deep learning, and data science methods to optimize process efficiency, reliability, and performance.
- Enable and support remote operation, monitoring, and data acquisition for testbeds and pilot systems.
- Analyze experimental and operational data to inform design improvements and decision-making.
3. Research, Technical Communication, and Proposal Development (25%)
- Prepare technical reports, research papaers, engineering documentation, experimental procedures, and internal guidance materials.
- Develop and deliver technical presentations to academic, industry, and funding stakeholders.
- Contribute to the preparation of research proposals, technical sections, budgets (as applicable), and project plans.
- Support compliance with sponsor, university, and safety requirements.
4. Technologies translation (15%)
- Travel to technology demonstrations, trade shows, project sites, and partner locations to support research and deployment activities.
- Provide technical support for CASFER operations, including coordination with faculty, staff, students, and external collaborators.
- Participate in cross-functional teams supporting center operations, reporting, and strategic initiatives.
- Lead Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) processes for technology validation.
Preferred Qualifications- Advanced experience in the design of electrochemical reactors and process systems.
- Advanced experience integrating modeling, experimental validation, and data analytics.
- Experience supporting technology scale-up, pilot-to-manufacturing transitions, or industry partnerships.
- Familiarity with remote monitoring systems, automation, or digital twins.
- Experience working within large, multi-institutional research centers or federally funded programs.
- Experience applying machine learning and deep learning techniques to engineering systems.
- Hands-on experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping.
- Strong materials science foundation.
- Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety, compliance, and best engineering practices.
Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in related area required plus five years progressively responsible management experience. Additional education may substitute for experience on a year for year basis.
This position is designated as involving access to critical infrastructure systems and/or research, as defined by Texas Executive Order GA-48. As such, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Employees are required to comply with all applicable state and federal regulations related to the protection of critical infrastructure. Ongoing employment is dependent upon maintaining eligibility for access and successfully passing periodic security and compliance reviews.
Safety InformationAdherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.
Pay StatementCompensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.
Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesThe attributes utilized to perform the job that are generally demonstrated through qualifying service,
education, or training.
- Proficiency/knowledge with fluid flow and multiscale physics modeling tools (e.g., COMSOL, ASPEN, FLUENT, finite element analysis).
- Working knowledge of electrochemistry and electrolyzer design.
- Ability to independently plan, prioritize, and execute complex engineering tasks.
- Strong technical writing, documentation, and presentation skills.
- Ability to train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to students and early-career researchers.
