60 Optima Research Associate Jobs Hiring Near You

Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number
S07041P
Position Title
Research Associate
Functional Title
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Salary Range
$60,000 - $70,000 DOQ
Pay Basis
Monthly
Position Status
Regular full-time
Location
Richardson
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Open Date
05/14/2026
Posting Close Date
08/31/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Desired Start Date
06/22/2026
Job Summary
The Griffith Group in the UT Dallas (UTD) Mechanical Engineering Department seeks to fill a research associate position in modeling and design optimization of floating offshore power generation systems. The position is to lead or support projects involving modeling, design, control and testing. The successful candidate is expected to support a project to research and develop a novel remote power generation system based on a vertical axis rotor. The successful candidate is expected to develop aero-hydro-servo-elastic models for use in analysis and design optimization studies. The successful candidate will also develop, evaluate and test rotor aerodynamic models and optimal control solutions rotor control. Other projects may be assigned by supervisor depending on skills and technical needs.
UT Dallas research in floating offshore power generation system development is supported by the US DOE ARPA-E ATLANTIS Program. The successful candidate will be part of a team of faculty members, graduate students and industry partners developing methodology and new technologies. The successful candidate is expected to assist in the supervision of graduate students, publish scientific papers, and have an active participation in the development of sponsored research.
UTD is a member of the Ocean Safety Energy Institute (OESI), a consortium of industry, national labs, non-governmental organizations based at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment. UTD is home to a site of WindSTAR, an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for use-inspired R&D to advance wind energy science & technology.
Minimum Education and Experience
Ph.D in a related field.
Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree-granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral. Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.
Preferred Education and Experience
A PhD in engineering with emphasis in analysis and design optimization of multi-disciplinary systems. Other relevant experience includes one or more of the following: rotor aerodynamics, CFD analysis, aero-elasticity, design optimization, composite materials, optimal control, modeling of offshore systems, control co-design, hardware design & testing, wind tunnel testing. Programming skills in Matlab are required. Programming skills in Python, Julia, and LabView are desirable.
Other Qualifications
To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Griffith Group in the UT Dallas (UTD) Mechanical Engineering Department seeks to fill a research associate position in modeling and design optimization of floating offshore power generation systems. The position is to lead or support projects involving modeling, design, control and testing. The successful candidate is expected to support a project to research and develop a novel remote power generation system based on a vertical axis rotor. The successful candidate is expected to develop aero-hydro-servo-elastic models for use in analysis and design optimization studies. The successful candidate will also develop, evaluate and test rotor aerodynamic models and optimal control solutions rotor control. Other projects may be assigned by supervisor depending on skills and technical needs.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical Activities
Working Conditions
Additional Information
A remote work schedule is not available for this position.What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:

• Competitive Salary
• Tuition Benefits
• Internal Training
• BCBS PPO Medical insurance - 100% paid for full-time employees
• PPO and DHMO Dental Insurance Plan - PPO plans include ortho benefits
• Vision Insurance
• Long and short-term disability
• TRS Retirement Plan - defined benefit plan offering lifetime annuity upon retirement
• Voluntary Retirement Plan Options - additional savings opportunities with Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans and Deferred Compensation Plans
• Dental/Vision/AD&D
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Winter Break
• Fertility Benefits

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.
Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.
If you are looking for a rewarding career opportunity with great benefits? Look no further! Join our team!
Special Instructions Summary
In addition to your Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, and Research Statement, please upload a document containing at least three relevant publications. Preferred materials include journal articles, though conference papers or theses/dissertation may also be submitted.
Important Message
1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.
2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.