Industry Expert Research Scientist - Center for Aerospace Resilient Systems, CARS

Job Description

The Opportunity

The Center for Aerospace Resilient Systems (CARS) is seeking globally recognized aerospace systems industry technical leadership experts to help strengthen and grow the CARS research portfolio, with a near-term focus on aerospace cybersecurity, AI, Quantum computing, CNS ATM / C5ISR research in the civil and defense aerospace, and space systems domains. These research positions will lead the acquisition and support the execution of high-quality research, contributing to advancing knowledge in enhancing aviation and aerospace resilient systems. CARS is seeking self-motivated leaders who collaborate effectively across industry and government stakeholders, and engage with faculty, staff, and students to pursue innovative research projects and contribute to the overall mission of the Center. All projects are focused on student-engaged research to fund PhD, Master's, and undergraduate student research activities.

The Center’s mission is to be a world leader in the research and innovation of safe, secure, and resilient aerospace system solutions that meet the needs of our global aerospace community.

Strong research-focused candidates eager to proactively identify and address key aviation and aerospace systems resiliency challenges are encouraged to apply.

This position is funded through the researcher's externally secured research activities, and is designed for individuals, including retirees from industry or major institutions, who continue to conduct research through ERAU/CARS and independently secure grant funding to support their work while serving as Principal Investigator. Individuals may also serve as personnel supported by grants led by other CARS investigators.

Position Levels:

Depending on preparation and experience, the position can be set at various levels, including Research Scientist and Senior Research Scientist. These positions provide diverse opportunities for individuals at different career stages to become part of a dynamic team and contribute to CARS research initiatives in aviation and aerospace resilient systems.

Research Scientist

Serves as an independent scientific researcher or a collaborator on a multi-scientist research initiative and may have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal investigator and is expected to capture and lead research proposals that can significantly aid in a research center’s ongoing projects.

Requires a minimum of 20 years of relevant industry experience. While a Ph.D. (or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline) is valuable, leadership and innovation in industry-government/industry technology development and research are most important. Candidates must have a demonstrated record of research engagement, including the influence, capture and/or execution of relevant new technology development or research projects.

Senior Research Scientist

An accomplished and experienced professional researcher who conducts significant original research or serves as a senior collaborator on a multi-scientist research initiative, typically leading substantive aspects of the overall project under the general guidance of a principal researcher. A Senior Research Scientist is expected to capture and lead large-dollar-value research proposals that can significantly aid in a research center’s ongoing projects and may serve as a co-investigator and / or principal investigator of externally funded research grants.

Requires a minimum of 30 years of relevant industry experience. While a Ph.D. (or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline) is valuable, leadership and innovation in government/industry technology development and research are most important. Candidates must have a demonstrated record of research engagement, including the influence, capture, and/or execution of relevant new technology development or research projects.

A Senior Research Scientist is expected to capture and lead large-dollar-value research proposals (greater than $1M/yr) that can significantly aid in a research center’s ongoing projects and may serve as a co-investigator and / or principal investigator of externally funded research grants.

About the Embry-Riddle Center for Aerospace Resilient Systems:

ERAU's Center for Aerospace Resilient Systems (CARS) is the Embry-Riddle research center dedicated to advancing aviation and aerospace resilient systems, focusing on highly connected aerospace systems & operations including cybersecurity, AI, integrated systems, and rapid prototyping, supporting commercial and defense industries. CARS is committed to collaborating with industry and government partners, providing innovative solutions to pressing resilience challenges. The Center's work spans a broad spectrum of systems-related domains such as: aviation & aerospace cybersecurity including cutting-edge tools for enhancing cybersecurity in the operational technology (OT) domains, artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) and data science / data analytics, software engineering, , Communications / Navigation / Surveillance Air Traffic Management (CNS ATM) and Command / Control / Communications / Computing / Cyber / Surveillance / Reconnaissance (C5ISR) technologies and systems, human-machine interfaces, virtual and augmented reality training systems,  airspace/airport modeling & simulation, including  civil and defense airspace systems.  The Center also maintains a vast historical Air Traffic database (archived since 1999).  CARS has a support staff in place to assist with proposal development and project management. CARS is at the forefront of driving resilient systems innovation to foster a safe, secure, and resilient future of the aviation and aerospace ecosystem.

About us

For over 100 years, Embry-Riddle has been the world's leading aviation and aerospace university, educating more than 30,000 students across residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, as well as through a global network of Worldwide locations and online programs. With more than 165,000 alumni around the world, our impact reaches every corner of the aerospace, aviation, defense and technology industries.

Today, our faculty, researchers and professional staff are advancing innovation across aviation, space, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, autonomous systems and next-generation engineering. Working alongside industry leaders, government agencies and innovators, they are solving real-world challenges and shaping the technologies that will define tomorrow.

Whether you are an educator, researcher, administrator, technologist or industry professional, your work at Embry-Riddle will contribute to something bigger than a job. Join a community driven by discovery, purpose and excellence—and help shape the future of aerospace.

Qualifications

Applicants with the following expertise are encouraged to apply:

• Candidate must have or be able to acquire a US security clearance.

• Aviation and Aerospace Systems Expertise in any of the following areas:

  • Aviation / Aerospace cybersecurity domain knowledge

  • Comprehensive knowledge of aviation and aerospace systems, operations, principles, regulations, and best practices.

  • Understanding of cybersecurity risk assessment, vulnerability management, systems resiliency evaluation, and testing within the aerospace domain.

  • Application of AI/ML and Quantum computing.

• Leadership and Collaboration Skills

  • Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration among industry, government, and academic leaders.  Ability to work with and mentor students in CARS research efforts.

  • Proven track record of bringing diverse stakeholders together to achieve common goals.

• Research Proficiency:

  • Demonstrated background in research and data analysis.

  • Experience in designing and conducting aviation and aerospace systems research.

• Innovation and Thought Leadership:

  • Ability to promote and support innovation in aviation systems through new technologies, strategies, and practices.

  • Demonstrated thought leadership in aviation and aerospace systems.

• Ethical and Professional Standards:

  • Commitment to integrity, ethical conduct, and adherence to professional standards in aerospace systems-related work.

• Communication and Networking:

  • Excellent communication skills to effectively convey aerospace systems concepts, research findings, and ideas to diverse audiences.

  • Strong networking skills for building working-together relationships.

• Regulatory / Compliance and Systems Standards Knowledge:

  • Familiarity with aviation and aerospace systems standards at the global and regional levels.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

  • Ability to work across disciplines to address resilience challenges, incorporating insights from engineering, human factors, policy, and other relevant fields.

• Data Analysis and Decision-Making:

  • Strong analytical skills for interpreting systems data and making data-driven decisions to enhance resilience measures.

• Continuous Improvement Mindset:

  • Willingness to adapt and improve strategies based on emerging trends, technologies, and lessons learned.

• Adherence to Core Values:

  • Commitment to upholding the core values of integrity, innovation, and collaboration in all endeavors.

• Global Perspective:

  • Awareness of and adaptability to the global nature of the aviation and aerospace ecosystem, considering diverse regulatory environments and cultural factors.

Candidates possessing a diverse range of these expertise areas will be well-prepared to effectively contribute to the realization of CARS's vision, mission, and objectives aimed at advancing aviation and aerospace systems resilience. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in generating financially viable and pertinent research proposals, followed by effective project execution upon securing contracts. A forward-looking perspective on the aviation and aerospace systems industry, coupled with strong verbal and written communication skills, is imperative. The capacity to thrive in industry, government, and academic environments is mandatory. Supervision and project management, conducted in a collaborative yet results-driven manner, are pivotal for long-term success.  Successful candidates for this role are individuals with a proven history of autonomously initiating and executing research outside of established research centers.

Application process/requirements

To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R311844. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include:

• Cover letter
• Full CV
• Research Statement
• Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process)

Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday.

Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry-Riddle makes employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment — based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our website. 

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