Optical Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Engineer 2
Requisition ID
req34766
Working Title
Research Engineer 2
Position Grade
14
Position Summary
Due to federal export control regulations, this position is limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
The COSMIAC Research Center is a nationally recognized research organization within the University of New Mexico School of Engineering that delivers applied engineering solutions for government and industry partners in areas including space systems, radiation effects, satellite communications, hypersonics, positioning, navigation and timing, and advanced computing. COSMIAC manages a substantial portfolio of externally sponsored research and operates a 30,000-square-foot research facility in Albuquerque with laboratories, high-bay and cleanroom space, satellite ground stations, and a dedicated radiation effects laboratory supporting both terrestrial and orbital testing. The center maintains long-standing partnerships with Sandia National Laboratories, the Air Force Research Laboratory, U.S. Space Command, and leading aerospace and defense companies, and provides an integrated research and technology transition environment that connects academic research with real-world mission needs.
The Research Engineer 2 is a professional engineering position responsible for performing applied technical work in support of externally funded research projects within COSMIAC under the direction of senior engineers and faculty. This role emphasizes hands-on engineering activities such as design, analysis, modeling, testing, data collection, and documentation across a range of engineering disciplines and project areas, with responsibilities and technical focus tailored to the needs of specific programs. The position provides opportunities to build depth in one or more technical areas, contribute to multidisciplinary project teams, and develop broader research and engineering skills through mentorship and project-based experience.
As New Mexico's flagship R1 research university, UNM offers a collaborative and well-supported research environment with extensive federal partnerships and the institutional capacity to sustain long-term, high-impact research programs. Located in Albuquerque, the university benefits from close proximity to national laboratories and military installations, along with a growing science and technology workforce. The region offers a lower cost of living, short commute times, abundant outdoor recreation, and a rich cultural environment-providing an attractive balance of professional opportunity and quality of life.
Under general supervision, evaluates, selects, and applies engineering research techniques, procedures, and criteria to make minor adaptations and modifications to research assignments in support of space systems development. Performs research which involves conventional types of plans, investigations, surveys, structures, or equipment with relatively few complex functions in areas including but not limited to: space-based communications and networking, electronics design and testing, spacecraft subsystem development, control systems, radiation effects characterization, and mechanical systems for space applications.
Note: While applications received by the best consideration date will be given priority, we will continue to accept applications until the positions are filled. If this posting is still visible, the department is actively accepting applications and continues to seek candidates to fill multiple vacancies. Please note that all positions are term, and are based on funding availability. Additional funding is expected but not guaranteed.
Duties and Responsibilities

1. Designs, analyzes, builds, and tests special-purpose equipment, instrumentation, and systems for space systems research purposes supporting national defense, space exploration, and emerging space technologies.
2. Conducts research on advanced space systems technologies including communication architectures, radiation-hardened electronics, spacecraft subsystems, control algorithms, and mechanical designs for harsh space environments.
3. Performs research assignments involving conventional types of plans, investigations, surveys, structures, or equipment which may involve complex functions or features related to spacecraft development, testing, and qualification.
4. Applies engineering theory and modern computational tools to solve technical problems in space systems; implements advanced tools and databases in object-oriented and relational environments for modeling, simulation, and data analysis.
5. Makes preliminary selections and adaptations of engineering alternatives requiring the exercise of judgment to a moderate degree in support of spacecraft communications, electronics, controls, structural, or test systems development.
6. Conducts laboratory testing and characterization of space systems and components using specialized test equipment including but not limited to: RF/optical test equipment, environmental chambers, radiation test facilities, mechanical test systems, and data acquisition systems.
7. Integrates subsystems and components, ensuring proper interfaces between communication systems, electronics, mechanical assemblies, and control systems while maintaining documentation and configuration control.
8. Receives and carries out instructions on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions; reviews results of tests and analyses with principal investigators, faculty, or graduate students.
9. Develops and maintains technical documentation including test procedures, design documentation, data analysis reports, and interface control documents following established standards and protocols.
10. Serves as principal investigator, as appropriate, on sub-projects of complexities consistent with above criteria in areas such as communication system development, electronics qualification, mechanical testing, or controls implementation.
11. Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and systems in space communications, electronics, radiation effects, control systems, and/or mechanical engineering for space applications.
12. Supports proposal development activities by providing technical input, cost estimates, and feasibility assessments for research projects.
13. Mentors and provides technical guidance to undergraduate and graduate students working on research projects.
14. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment

• Professional Engineer (PE) may be required, depending upon field of expertise.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a directly related field; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Space systems

Additional Requirements
Due to the nature of COSMIAC's research activities, candidates must be eligible to obtain a DoD security clearance
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department
COSMIAC (282A)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Term - Full-Time
Term End Date
06/30/2026
Status
Exempt
Pay
Monthly: $4,875.87 - $6,976.67
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
4/3/2026
Eligible for Remote Work
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Please include resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references.
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.