Director, Research Development

Director, Research Development Agency

Job Location: Bryan, Texas | Job Type: Staff

Job Description Summary

The Director of Research Development for the Texas A&M Center for Applied Communications and Networks (CACN) provides leadership for the development of research and business opportunities. As a member of the center’s leadership team, this position helps execute the center’s research and business activities, strategic planning, development, and program administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of strategic relationships with potential research sponsors, partners, vendors, and commercial customers.
• Monitor solicitations (RFIs, RFPs, etc.) and lead preparation of research and commercial proposals, including solution narratives, statements of work, budgets, and schedules.
• Serve as PI, Co‑PI, or collaborator on research and commercial projects as appropriate.
• Perform outreach, including presentations and speaking engagements at conferences, authoring publications, and supporting marketing efforts.
• Serve as liaison with academic and non‑academic units of the University as assigned.
• Represent the center to state and federal agencies, private organizations, partners, collaborators, and industry groups.
• Advise the university community on matters related to center operations.
• Stay abreast of technical developments related to the center’s work.
• Participate in training and professional development sessions.
• Publish articles in trade and professional journals.
• Supervise proposal development personnel and lead collaborative teams for research proposals.
• Develop technical requirements and system designs for conducting research.
• Lead interaction with sponsors, collaborators, and contractors on projects.
• Conduct research, execute deliverables, and produce required reports and artifacts.
• Represent the center at conferences and industry associations.
• Serve on national and international standards committees and federal advisory boards as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• Seven years of experience in research, design, operations, or business development for communications systems and networks, including five years of management experience.
• Significant experience developing projects for government agencies and/or commercial business, including writing winning proposals and conducting contract work.

Registration, Certifications, and Licenses

• U.S. passport and willingness to perform domestic and international travel.
• Willingness and eligibility to obtain at least a Secret‑level U.S. security clearance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong client relations, requirement assessment, and statement of work creation.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite for proposal and documentation development.
• Deep understanding of complex network systems, including voice, data, and video, and cybersecurity.
• Ability to multi‑task and collaborate in complex, multi‑agency environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in engineering, computer science, or a related field.

Other Requirements

• Security‑sensitive position restricted to U.S. citizens.
• Employment contingent upon criminal history investigation and verification of credentials.

Equal Opportunity Statement

This position is an Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.