Position Title: Research Engineer,Inter

Employee Classification: Research Engineer,Inter

College/Division: Engineering College

Department: 360400-CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  $77,235.92 entry; Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  If you are skilled in experimental system operation, detailed water and brine characterization, data analysis, and technical reporting, and you are ready to drive innovation in sustainable water practices, apply now. The Research Engineer,Inter position offers significant opportunities for peer-reviewed publication and close collaboration with faculty and industry partners.

Classification Summary:
Plans and conducts research in field or specialization of an engineering discipline to discover facts, or performs research directed toward investigation, evaluation, and application of known engineering theories and principles. Requires advanced study in the field of specialization. Oversees engineering personnel performing, complex engineering experiments to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technological areas.

Classification Standard Duties:
Designs and implements research protocols and projects;evaluates findings to develop new concepts, products, equipment, or processes.Applies advanced analytical techniques and the modification and extension of theories and practices in innovative research projects in field of specialty; develops statistical and observational models. Applies diversified knowledge of engineering research principles, practices, and protocols in research projects; may make recommendations which serve as the basis for decision making in a specialty area. Makes independent decisions requiring the application of advanced research techniques and the modification and extension of theories, precepts, and practices in the field of engineering. Operates and maintains sophisticated equipment to conduct research, analyze data, and report research findings; may instruct others in use of equipment. Collaborates with users and principal investigators on design, analysis, application, and reporting of research projects; teaches and advises on techniques. Carries out complex or novel assignments requiring the development of new and improved techniques and procedures as an individual researcher. Supplies technical leadership and consultation to professional co-workers, collaborators, and graduate students. Receives general guidance related to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters. Prepares grant proposals to obtain funding in support of research activities. Serves as principal investigator, as appropriate, on sub-projects of complexities consistent with above criteria. May manage or oversee a research laboratory; may curate a research collection. Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.May lead the work of lower level staff or students. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Master's degree in Engineering.; Required Experience:Three (3) years of professional experience directly related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Comprehensive knowledge of engineering, scientific, and/or mathematical concepts and theories in area of specialty. Knowledge of contracts and grants preparation and management. Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise. Knowledge of engineering and/or scientific research principles, practices, and protocols.; SKILLS:Skill in educating others in research methods and techniques in area of expertise. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community; ABILITIES:Ability to develop statistical and observational models. Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise. Ability to use independent judgment to adapt and modify research concepts and approaches to specific projects. Ability to use independent judgment to develop model concepts and approaches for research. Ability to utilize advanced analytical techniques and programs to develop scientific models. Ability to utilize advanced computer statistical and technical applications. Ability to utilize and maintain advanced scientific equipment and facilities.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The position is to support the research team led by Dr. Huiyao Wang and Dr. Pei Xu in conducting research on brackish water desalination, produced water treatment and reuse, and resource recovery and chemical production from brine. The Research Engineer will play a key role in the design, operation, and evaluation of advanced water treatment systems at both laboratory and pilot scales. Specific job duties and responsibilities include:

1. Design and Operation of Experimental Systems
Lead or assist in the design, construction, and operation of laboratory- and pilot-scale treatment systems

2. Pilot Testing and Field Deployment
Coordinate the deployment, operation, and maintenance of pilot systems at test sites, such as the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Desalination Plant and oilfield locations.

3. Water and Brine Characterization
Perform sampling and conduct analytical testing of produced water, brine, and treated water.
Interpret results and support optimization of treatment processes.

4. Data Management and Analysis
Collect, organize, and analyze water quality, operational and experimental data.
Prepare technical summaries, figures, and reports for internal use and sponsor reporting.
Prepare peer-reviewed publication

5. Research Collaboration and Reporting
Collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and external partners on research tasks.
Support the preparation of journal manuscripts, presentations, and technical reports.

6. Compliance and Safety
Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and environmental regulations.
Maintain documentation for research protocols and equipment use.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Huiyao Wang, (575) 646-3283, huiyao@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed indoors.

Physical Effort: Light physical effort. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.