Research Engineer
Auburn University
Auburn University, AL · Posted September 25, 2026
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Pay compared with the market
This listing does not state pay. Across 69 open research engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $250,000 to $440,000 and the median is $300,000.
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AI use among mechanical engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for mechanical engineers: 8% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
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About the job
Overview
The Auburn University National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME) is seeking candidates for Research Engineer I/II/III/IV/V/VI (level commensurate with education/experience).
NCAME was founded in 2017 through a collaboration between Auburn University (AU) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) leveraged by a signed AU/NASA Space Act Agreement. The Center is also a founding partner of the ASTM Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE). Since then, NCAME has established partnership government agencies (e.g., US Army, NIST, FAA) and industries (e.g., Boeing, GE, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Aerojet Rocketdyne).
NCAME strives to be a transitioning mechanism from fundamental to applied research aligned with the needs of industry. The Center also aims to lead and foster effective collaborations amongst industry, government, academia, non-profit organizations, and ASTM committees for ensuring a coordinated, global effort toward rapidly closing standards and workforce development gaps in AM.
Responsibilities
NCAME is seeking candidates to lead the applied research activities including:
Performing a variety of research and development projects requiring the applications of engineering practices and principles.
Operating, maintaining, and repairing specialized equipment.
Advising faculty, postdocs, students, and staff with design, modification, prototype, processes, analysis procedures, and other engineering solutions.
Designing and fabricating parts and systems utilizing engineering practices and principles.
Performing materials characterization and failure analysis.
Ensuring supplies are available and operational for use in projects.
Evaluating project outcomes to develop new concepts, equipment, or processes.
Developing proposals, budgets, schedules, and progress reports.
Preparing technical reports for projects.
Serving as the point of contact with the sponsors and industry partners.
Participating and supporting the strategic planning and roadmap development for NCAME.
Qualifications
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Level I:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research.
Level II:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 2 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles
Level III:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 4 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles
Level IV:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 6 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles
Level V:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 8 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles
Level VI:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 10 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles
Some positions may require licensure as a professional engineer - Upon Hire.
SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EDUCATION: Yes, When a candidate has the required experience, but lacks the required education, they may normally apply additional relevant experience toward the education requirement, at a rate of two (2) years relevant experience per year of required education.
SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE: Yes, When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.
Contract Type
Limited Term Why Work at Auburn?
Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more. Posted Date
9/25/2026
NCAME is seeking candidates to lead the applied research activities including:
Performing a variety of research and development projects requiring the applications of engineering practices and principles.
Operating, maintaining, and repairing specialized equipment.
Advising faculty, postdocs, students, and staff with design, modification, prototype, processes, analysis procedures, and other engineering solutions.
Designing and fabricating parts and systems utilizing engineering practices and principles.
Performing materials characterization and failure analysis.
Ensuring supplies are available and operational for use in projects.
Evaluating project outcomes to develop new concepts, equipment, or processes.
Developing proposals, budgets, schedules, and progress reports.
Preparing technical reports for projects.
Serving as the point of contact with the sponsors and industry partners.
Participating and supporting the strategic planning and roadmap development for NCAME.
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Level I:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research.
Level II:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 2 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles
Level III:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 4 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles
Level IV:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 6 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles
Level V:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 8 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles
Level VI:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering that is relevant to the area of research and 10 years of Experience in engineering and research practices and principles
Some positions may require licensure as a professional engineer - Upon Hire.
SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EDUCATION: Yes, When a candidate has the required experience, but lacks the required education, they may normally apply additional relevant experience toward the education requirement, at a rate of two (2) years relevant experience per year of required education.
SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE: Yes, When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.