TTI Senior Research Engineer

TTI Senior Research Engineer TTI, United States about 12 hours ago

Location:

Bryan, TEXAS

Job Type:

FullTime Job Title TTI Senior Research Engineer Agency Texas A&M Transportation Institute Department System Operations and Technologies Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Bryan, Texas Job Type Faculty Job Description Who are we? The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is an agency of the State of Texas and member of The Texas A&M University System. For 75 years, TTI has addressed complex transportation challenges and opportunities with innovation, objectivity, and unmatched technical expertise. Our staff delivers excellence, value and thought leadership to ensure our research sponsors achieve their goals. Our Mission and Vision Our Vision - TTI leads in the creation of knowledge that transforms transportation for the benefit of society. Our Mission - TTI delivers practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the movement of people, data and goods through research, education and technology transfer. Our Work Environment Entrepreneurial culture Affiliation with Texas A&M University students and faculty Ability to work with nationally recognized experts Ability to help train the next generation of transportation professionals Premier office and research facilities and equipment Accredited laboratories and safety proving ground Outstanding research support services Hybrid work environment/telecommuting Flexible work hours Family friendly High staff retention rates Leadership development and wellness programs Data allowance and home office equipment reimbursements Relocation assistance (if eligible) Tuition reimbursement program (if eligible) Our Employee Benefits TTI employees can choose from several health coverage options offered by The Texas A&M University System for themselves and their families, as well as numerous other benefit programs. tamus/business/benefits-administration/ What you need to know TTI is a Texas based agency. This position has the flexibility of a hybrid remote option with two days in a TTI Texas based office. This can be discussed further during the interview process. Your primary duty station will be in a TTI Texas Office. You are required to report to this location for the first 30 days of employment. Following this initial period, a flexible work arrangement may be approved at the agency's discretion. The salary range for position is commensurate. Final salary will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications and experience. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Texas A&M University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University subject to this fee. In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate Job Summary This position provides senior-level leadership in the deployment, integration, and operationalization of innovative transportation technologies and strategies across Texas and nationally. The role is focused on translating research, policy, and emerging technologies into real-world implementation within complex, multi-agency transportation environments, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and local partners. The position serves as a key execution leader for innovation-focused initiatives, including the coordination and day-to-day direction of activities associated with programs such as the Innovation Interagency Contract (IAC) and related deployment efforts. Responsibilities include aligning research outcomes with operational needs, guiding implementation strategies, and ensuring successful delivery of funded projects from concept through deployment. The successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience navigating transportation systems at the district and enterprise level, leading multidisciplinary teams, and advancing innovation across planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance functions as well as experience leading innovative initiatives within large public-sector transportation organizations. While contributing to proposal development and strategic growth, the primary focus of this role is the execution, coordination, and delivery of complex, funded initiatives. This position reports directly to Division leadership and plays a critical role in advancing TTI's mission to bridge research and implementation in support of transportation safety, mobility, and system performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Applied research and management (75%) Lead the day-to-day direction, coordination, and execution of innovation-focused projects and initiatives, including those supported through the Innovation IAC and related programs. Serve as a primary liaison between TTI, TxDOT, local agencies, and private-sector partners to ensure alignment between research objectives and operational needs. Translate emerging technologies and research concepts into deployable, scalable solutions within real-world transportation environments. Coordinate across multiple projects and teams to ensure consistent execution, integration, and delivery of innovation initiatives. Provide leadership in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of technology deployments, including connected and automated vehicle applications, smart work zones, advanced traffic operations, and related systems. Guide project teams through all phases of delivery, including scope refinement, implementation planning, field deployment, and performance evaluation. Support development and execution of innovation pipelines, including intake, screening, testing, and deployment of new concepts and technologies. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with sponsor expectations, including budget, schedule, and performance requirements. Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including researchers, engineers, agency staff, and private-sector partners, to ensure effective collaboration and delivery. Strategic Engagement and Business Development (10%) Support Division leadership in identifying and advancing strategic opportunities aligned with innovation deployment and operational improvement. Contribute to proposal development and sponsor engagement, particularly where implementation, deployment, and operational expertise are required. Maintain and strengthen relationships with key partners, including TxDOT districts and divisions, MPOs, and federal agencies. Leadership Coordination and Staff Development (10%) Provide day-to-day leadership and coordination for project teams, including assigning tasks, setting priorities, and ensuring accountability. Mentor and support staff in understanding the practical application of research within operational environments. Foster collaboration across programs and divisions to support integrated project delivery. Reporting, Communication, and Technology Transfer (5%) Prepare and deliver clear, actionable reports and presentations for sponsors, stakeholders, and leadership. Communicate project progress, outcomes, and recommendations in a manner that supports decision-making and implementation. Represent TTI in meetings, workshops, and technical forums related to innovation deployment and transportation operations. Required Education and Experience Master's degree in engineering. Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in transportation systems, including demonstrated leadership roles. Extensive experience working within or in close partnership with state departments of transportation, preferably TxDOT, including understanding of organizational structure, policies, and operational practices. Demonstrated experience leading efforts across multiple phases of project delivery, including planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance. Proven experience advancing and implementing innovative technologies or processes within transportation systems Required Licenses and Professional Certifications PE license Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Demonstrated ability to translate research and emerging technologies into operational deployment. Deep understanding of transportation system operations and project delivery processes at both district and enterprise levels. Strong experience coordinating with multi-agency stakeholders, including state DOTs, MPOs, federal partners, and private industry. Ability to lead and coordinate complex, multidisciplinary initiatives involving multiple projects and stakeholders. Experience with innovation program execution, including technology evaluation, deployment, and scaling. Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to direct and coordinate work across diverse teams. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and executive audiences. Preferred Qualifications Minimum of 20 years of progressively responsible experience in transportation systems, including demonstrated leadership roles. Significant experience within TxDOT in a leadership role at the district or enterprise level. Experience overseeing or supporting large-scale transportation operations or programs, including personnel, budget, and performance management. Demonstrated involvement in innovation initiatives, including smart work zones, connected vehicle technologies, advanced traffic operations, or similar deployments. Experience coordinating with research organizations (e.g., TTI) to transition concepts into implementation. Experience with federal grant programs, innovation initiatives (e.g., SMART, RAISE), or interagency contracts. Physical Requirements Ability to perform common office functions. Ability to frequently communicate with other individuals within the workplace. Ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.