Research Scientist

Fixed-term Research Engineer

We are seeking a Fixed-term Research Engineer to support experimental research in high-speed aerothermodynamics, with emphasis on multiphase flow and flow instability in hypersonic and supersonic boundary layers.

The role involves experimental setup, execution, and analysis of boundary-layer transition and instability experiments in high-speed flow facilities. Responsibilities include operation of shock tubes and related high-speed flow systems, development and execution of diagnostic measurements (e.g., Krypton Tagging Velocimetry, FLDI, BOS), and processing of experimental data.

The engineer will contribute to laboratory work involving optics, laser systems, high-speed imaging, and sensor instrumentation, as well as develop scripting tools for data reduction and analysis pipelines. The position requires collaboration with graduate students and principal investigators to support grant milestones and produce publication-quality figures and documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, align, and maintain optical and laser-based diagnostic systems for high-speed aerothermodynamic experiments, including integration of imaging systems, sensors, and data acquisition (DAQ) hardware.
• Plan, prepare, and execute experiments in shock tube and/or supersonic/hypersonic test facilities, including pre-test verification, run coordination, and post-test system teardown and diagnostics.
• Conduct high-speed and time-resolved data acquisition, and perform processing and analysis using scripting tools (e.g., MATLAB and/or Python), including image processing, signal analysis, and uncertainty quantification.
• Develop and maintain reproducible data pipelines for batch processing, ensuring traceability, data integrity, and adherence to best practices in experimental data management.
• Maintain laboratory safety standards, including compliance with laser, high-pressure, vacuum, and electrical safety protocols; update standard operating procedures (SOPs), equipment logs, and calibration records.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, figures, presentations, and publication-quality visualizations supporting grant deliverables and research dissemination.
• Support coordination and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate researchers in experimental setup, diagnostics alignment, and data analysis methods.
• Collaborate with principal investigators and research staff to ensure timely completion of experimental milestones aligned with funded grant objectives.