Job Details

Staff or Senior Research Engineer or Scientist
Illinois Applied Research Institute
The Grainger College of Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois Applied Research Institute (ARI) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking applicants for Research Engineer or Scientist positions at two different levels of experience. The levels are Staff Research Engineer or Scientist or Senior Research Engineer or Scientist. Professionals hired into these positions will be involved in a variety of research and development (R&D) activities in areas of applied science, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science/technology.

ARI translates innovation to practice as part of the thriving technology ecosystem at the University of Illinois. Its professional research staff provides translational, multidisciplinary solutions for real-world problems in defense and security, and manufacturing and materials. ARI staff perform extensive research and development leveraging their broad government- and industry-based expertise in algorithm and software development, materials development and characterization, and contextual engineering. ARI possesses unique capabilities for open, proprietary, and classified projects and works with collaborators across government, industry, and academia. More information about ARI can be found at appliedresearch.illinois.edu.

For the current positions, ARI is interested in hiring individuals with expertise in algorithm design and development, including, but not limited to:

• machine learning/artificial intelligence
• image/signal processing
• sensor fusion

Champaign-Urbana is not only the home of a world-class university it is also a community that supports a comfortable, family-friendly lifestyle, including:

• very affordable and spacious homes with numerous new building options
• a maximum 20-minute commute time within Champaign-Urbana
• plentiful, high quality, and reasonable childcare options
• a strong public school system with a gifted program, as well as several private options at all levels
• a wide variety of recreational sports and performing arts engagement opportunities
• an active regional airport with jet service to hubs in Chicago and Dallas

For more information, see the following sites that profile our community:

• Experience Champaign-Urbana: experiencecu.org
• Champaign County Association of Realtors: www.champaigncountyassociationofrealtors.com
• Champaign County Arts Council (40 North 88 West): 40north.org

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit go.illinois.edu/EEO.

Specific duties and responsibilities for each position level include the following:

STAFF RESEARCH ENGINEER OR SCIENTIST - This is an entry-level/early career research and development position that will leverage an individual's desire to apply their current knowledge in algorithm design and development, to learn and expand their expertise, and to build their capabilities to formulate and deliver real-world solutions through applied research. Numerous established pathways for professional growth and promotion include increased responsibilities for project milestone deliverables, project approach formulation, proposal preparation, and technical or project leadership and mentorship.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Implement prescribed algorithm prototypes in code.
• Translate state of the art technical literature/knowledge into the development and implementation of new algorithmic approaches.
• Analyze algorithm performance using open and private data sets.
• Curation of data sets and data quality, including collection, management, analysis and reporting.
• Assist Principal Investigators with planning, implementation, and evaluation of research projects.
• Collaborate with other ARI research staff in the preparation of materials for research contract proposals as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Staff Research Engineer: Bachelor's degree in engineering.
• Staff Research Scientist: Bachelor's degree in science, computer science, applied mathematics, or related fields.
• One year of related work experience (including internships) in a technical field. Demonstrated proficiency in all forms of communication, along with solid time management, teamwork and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Staff Research Engineer: Master's degree in engineering.
• Staff Research Scientist: Master's degree in science, computer science, applied mathematics, or related fields.
• Documented success in collaborative and independent research ventures.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

SENIOR RESEARCH ENGINEER OR SCIENTIST - This mid-level position requires the ability to contribute to the formulation and execution of high-impact applied research in algorithm design and development in response to customer needs and the willingness and/or demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team to attract and successfully execute external R&D contracts. The professional development pathway for this position includes increasing levels of responsibility and leadership in the origination of new research programs and leadership/management of highly collaborative and productive teams.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct high-quality applied research and lead tasks within externally- and internally funded projects. This includes collaboration and partnership with other ARI research staff as well as professionals across campus and external entities including government agencies, industry, and foundations, to deliver interdisciplinary solutions for customers.
• Work independently to research and implement algorithmic solutions and contribute to the formulation of proposed technical solutions and research contract proposals.
• When appropriate, travel for visits to sponsors, industry days, and contractually mandated reporting meetings.
• Assist with the oversight of research contract finances/spending, project management/milestones, reporting, and related personnel management.
• Provide technical and professional mentorship to other ARI research personnel.
• When appropriate and encouraged by sponsors, present research results through publication of scientific papers, conference presentations, and technology demonstrations.
• Submit proposals as principal investigator (PI) or co-PI on sponsored research projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Senior Research Engineer: Master's degree in engineering.
• Senior Research Scientist: Master's degree in science, computer science/technology, applied mathematics, or related field.
• Three-five years of related experience in algorithm design and development in an application-oriented environment within technical fields such as engineering, science, computer science/technology, applied mathematics, or related areas.
• Experience with proposal preparation, co-authorship, or authorship, resulting in externally funded R&D support and successful program execution.
• Demonstrated proficiency in all forms of communication and collaboration, along with strong time- management, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Senior Research Engineer: Doctoral degree in engineering.
• Senior Research Scientist: Doctoral degree in science, computer science, applied mathematics, or related fields.
• Experience leading and managing research groups and professionals.
• Publications in internal and external venues.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

These are full-time, benefits-eligible academic professional positions appointed on a 12-month service basis (See www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits for details). The expected start date is as soon as possible, based on the business needs of the organization. Salary and position level are commensurate with experience and qualifications. Typical salary ranges for these positions are as follows: Staff Research Scientist/Engineer is $70,000 $85,000; Senior Research Scientist/Engineer $90,000 $130,000. Individuals hired into these positions are expected to work onsite on a full-time basis. We are willing to support candidates who require work authorization sponsorship.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by October 21, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. Applications not submitted through jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Interviews and hires will take place prior to the closing date and early applications are encouraged; however, full consideration will be given to complete applications received by the closing date. For further information about this specific position, please contact Summer Redman at sredman@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.