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Principal Research Engineer VII, S2

The University of Alabama in Huntsville
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 16 Jan 2026
💰 $210,000/yr

About the role

Purpose of the Position:

The Principal Research Engineer will lead and conduct research in science, technology, and engineering to include various programs and projects. This role will require specific knowledge of Army operations, understanding roles of DevCom Centers/PEO/PM (now PAE organizations). Responsibilities will include technical leadership in unmanned systems autonomy, payloads and datalink technologies, air defense and missile technologies. The Principal Research Engineer will need to be familiar with S&T portfolios, modernization priorities, applied and advanced research initiatives and managing major programs through transition, to include interaction with international partners.

Key Responsibilities Include:

 • Oversee and manage all aspects of operations and research activities while providing technical leadership in support of the design, development, integration, and testing of aviation and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) concepts and missile systems, including the collection and analysis of data related to operational effects and underlying physical phenomena

 • Plan, execute, implement and manage laboratory operations and experimental test campaigns, including experiment design, test configuration, instrumentation, data acquisition, and post-test data reduction and analysis

 • Prepare and deliver technical documentation, test reports, and briefings, and present research results to government sponsors, technical peers, and the broader defense research community

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in air defense and aviation/UAS and counter-UAS technologies, supporting the University and external partners while contributing to student education, mentoring, and workforce development through applied research activities

 • Act as a technical lead, collaborating closely with scientists, engineers, and program managers to plan, execute, and oversee complex, multidisciplinary research programs and projects

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D preferably in Science, Engineering or Business (Bachelor's degree and experience preferably in a specialized area may be substituted for a degree)
• 10.5 - 11 years of full-time verifiable professional experience in missile systems, uncrewed aircraft, and active protection technologies
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and related software and hardware
• Must have supervisory and technical leadership experience
Active Top Secret Security Clearance
• US Citizenship is required

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree preferred
• 20 years of professional experience in missile systems, uncrewed aircraft, and active protection technologies strongly preferred

Published Salary (if available):

$210,000-$215,000

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Company

The University of Alabama in Huntsville

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