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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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
• 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

• Experience in leading teams of scientists and research associates to achieve technical and strategic objectives is strongly desired.
• Department of Defense (DOD) Security Clearance Upon Hire Desired