Job Title Research Engineer IV Agency Texas A&M Engineering Department Mechanical Engineering Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description Why work for Texas A&M Engineering? Who we are Texas A&M Engineering is a large employer in the great and growing cities of Bryan/College Station, offering thousands of career opportunities in a wide variety of fields. We are deeply committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce that embraces our core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and service. Texas A&M Engineering offers competitive salaries, full benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an enriching and highly collaborative working community that is deeply passionate about our vision for higher education, research, and public service. Job Description Purpose: The applicant will be a Research Engineer IV in the Mechanical Engineering department of Texas A&M University working under the direct supervision of the PI (INVENT Lab, https://www.theinventlab.com/). The position is responsible for leading research in the area of the tribology of touch for haptics and dexterous robotics, including conducting laboratory research, developing multiphysics models, analyzing research data, troubleshooting lab equipment, and writing research articles and grant proposals. Broad areas of research include development of instrumentation, characterization techniques, and models for the tribology and contact mechanics of the finger device interface, electroadhesive brakes, and soft actuators for haptics and robotics and development and characterization of novel materials for application in haptics and soft robotics. This position is specifically targeted at research into electroadhesive clutches for use actuation of dexterous robotic hands that are light weight enough for humanoid robots. The work is an adjacent project to the newly awarded Human Augmentation via Dexterity (HAND) NSF Engineering Research Center. The Research Scientist will be able to interact with researchers from our 5 core partner universities (Northwestern, Carnegie Mellon, MIT, FAMU, TAMU) as well as our numerous industrial partners. This position will actively collaborate with a top dexterous robotic hand company. We have significant equipment available in the lab including an Asylum Jupiter Atomic Force Microscope, a Polytec MSA 600 (combined scanning LDV and white light interferometer), multi-point LDV system, custom finger-device tribometer, optical coherence tomography (OCT) system, RTEC Tribomber, an iMotions Biometrics measurement system, and high resolution (LKPF R4) laser cutter. Responsibilities: + Perform research the tribology and contact mechanics of the finger device interface and electroadhesive clutches for dexterous robotic hands. + Plan, execute and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory. + Set up test bench, drive experiment (design and execution), data analysis and clear conclusions. + Write research articles and project reports. Document lab apparatus design, functions, and usage; develop and deliver training for new graduate/undergraduate students. + Create analytical/numerical models using appropriate numerical analysis tools to model system contact mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermal transport, and electric field interaction. + Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in related research areas. Help with lab administration and leadership. + Assist in proposal writing. + Ensure adherence to all safety standards and housekeeping standards within lab spaces. + Other duties as assigned. What is needed: + Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience. + Six years of related experience. What is helpful: + Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or related science or engineering major. with focus on tribology, contact mechanics, adhesion, or finger device interaction for haptics and robotics. + Hands-on experience with characterization equipment for tribology and failure analysis. + Deep technical and functional understanding of contact mechanics, adhesion, and tribology. + Demonstrated experience developing models to explain experimental results. + Experience with LabVIEW programming and equipment integration + MATLAB or equivalent toolkit for modelling and data analysis + Familiarity with statistical data analysis Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: + Good communication skills. Can produce clear data, presentations, as well as oral presentations + Good interpersonal skills, including working with collaborators from different disciplines. + Other behaviors include, integrative thinking, driven, results oriented, self-awareness, mentor others, and willing to make changes Work Location: + Main Campus – College Station, TX. + Some positions may have potential for a flexible work schedule or location. About Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University is a national and international leader in mechanical engineering education. Our scholarship, research, and service to our communities are supported by recruiting and nurturing top students, faculty, and staff passionate about learning, advancing human knowledge, and making high-impact contributions to society. Texas A&M Engineering provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to: + Competitive health benefits. + Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays. + Vision, Dental, Life, and Long-Term Disability insurance options. + Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS), a defined benefit retirement plan with 8% employer contribution. + Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Deferred Account 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation Program 457(b). + Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses + Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional development opportunities. + Tuition assistance https://engineering.tamu.edu/information/esac/staff-development/staff-development-opportunities.html + Wellness program release time offered to employees to promote work/life balance. Helpful Applicant Information Required Materials for Application: + Resume/CV + Three work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor/former supervisor. + Letter of interest Compensation Philosophy: + Recruit and retain high-performing workforce through competitive compensation and career development including career pathing, coaching and skills development. + Offer total rewards, flexible benefits, professional development, performance recognition and work-life balance. + Ensure resources are readily available and utilized to attract and retain the highest quality researchers, faculty, and staff. Employment Eligibility Verification + If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in delay of start date. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.