Pay Range: USD $167,600.00 - USD $278,210.00 /Yr. Overview:
This position is located in Huntsville, AL
Auburn University’s Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development is seeking an experienced leader in defense and aerospace programs to drive growth in Auburn’s research contributions to national security. This individual will serve as the Director of Army and Rapid Capabilities Programs at the Huntsville-based Applied Research Institute. This position will lead the application of research in meeting critical needs in national security. The focus will be on applying AURI’s capabilities to address emerging needs for rapid technology maturity and enabling rapid capability delivery for the U.S. Army and other national security stakeholders. This position provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership for applied research initiatives, overseeing complex engineering and scientific programs that support mission-driven outcomes and align with Auburn University priorities and U.S. Government mission requirements.
Special Instructions
Required Documents:
Combine into one document and upload your
cover letter and resume under the
“Resume Upload” section (maximum file size: 5 MB).
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Vision & Leadership: Defines and drives the strategic direction for applied research initiatives, ensuring alignment with Auburn University’s Strategic Plan and the Applied Research Institute’s (ARI) vision, strategy, and goals. Serves as a key member of the Huntsville-based ARI Leadership Team, shaping organizational strategy, advancing research growth, and strengthening external partnerships.
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Team Management & Talent Development: Leads and develops ARI personnel, fostering a high-performing, mission-focused environment through professional development, performance management, and regular team engagement. Manages and mentors a team of Research Engineers and operations personnel supporting high-visibility programs, while providing technical leadership and guidance to faculty, principal research scientists and engineers, postdoctoral fellows, students, and staff.
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Growth Strategy & Technical Roadmap: Develops and executes a comprehensive growth strategy and forward-looking technical roadmap aligned with ARI and Auburn University capabilities and sponsor priorities. Identifies emerging research opportunities, builds a robust pipeline of applied research initiatives, and drives alignment with evolving U.S. Government mission needs and strategic priorities.
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Research Leadership & Technical Execution: Directs advanced research and development initiatives, applying engineering and scientific expertise to solve complex technical challenges and rapidly transition capabilities to operational use. Provides oversight of technical approaches including design, prototyping, analysis, and implementation of engineering solutions.
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Program Management & Operational Execution: Oversees program execution across defense portfolios, ensuring efficient delivery of capabilities, integration of workforce development, and sustained program growth. Leads development and management of proposals, budgets, schedules, progress reports, and technical presentations to support successful execution and delivery.
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Stakeholder Engagement & Proposal Development: Serves as a primary liaison with U.S. Government agencies, industry partners, faculty, staff, and students to advance mission-aligned applied research initiatives. Leads the development of competitive proposals and communicates technical and programmatic outcomes effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
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Defense & Government Partnership Development: Strengthens and expands partnerships with United States Army and other Department of Defense customers by aligning ARI capabilities with sponsor requirements and delivering impactful research solutions.
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Academic Integration & Applied Learning: Engages faculty across the university to expand applied research initiatives and supports experiential learning opportunities for students. Bridges research and academic priorities to enhance collaboration and workforce development.
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Facilities, Infrastructure & Technical Resource Stewardship: Oversees the design, fabrication, operation, maintenance, and repair of specialized equipment, materials, and systems. Ensures laboratories, equipment, and technical infrastructure are fully operational and capable of supporting advanced research, testing, and prototyping activities.
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Technical Reporting & Strategic Planning: Prepares comprehensive technical reports and documentation to support near-term program objectives and long-range strategic planning, enabling informed decision-making and sustained organizational progress.
Qualifications:
- PhD in Engineering, Science, or closely related field and 10 years of experience leading applied research programs within engineering or scientific environments, including support of U.S. Army and Rapid Capabilities initiatives. OR
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Master's degree in Engineering, Science, or closely related field and 14 years of experience leading applied research programs within engineering or scientific environments, including support of U.S. Army and Rapid Capabilities initiatives. OR
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Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or closely related field and 18 years of experience leading applied research programs within engineering or scientific environments, including support of U.S. Army and Rapid Capabilities initiatives.
Desired Qualifications:
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Experience in leading teams of scientists and research associates to achieve technical and strategic objectives is strongly desired.
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Department of Defense (DOD) Security Clearance Upon Hire Desired
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of U.S. Army & rapid capabilities trends and emerging technologies in applied research
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Knowledge of sponsor landscapes, funding mechanisms, and technology gaps in space innovation
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Skill in building and leading multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and researchers
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Skill in developing technical roadmaps and long-term growth strategies
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Ability to align and drive high-impact research initiatives that support mission priorities, strengthen organizational reputation, and address sponsor needs.
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Ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams while guiding proposal development to secure competitive research funding.
Why Work at Auburn:
- Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
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Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
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We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
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Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
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A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
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Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement: It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
