Employment Opportunities

Join the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry, and nonprofit customers as a Director, Autonomous Systems, and be at the forefront of cutting-edge research in the exciting field of autonomous systems. UDRI has performed more than $3 billion in cumulative sponsored research, with sponsored research for 2024 alone exceeding $250 million. This is a unique opportunity to lead a team of talented researchers and engineers in developing innovative solutions that will shape the future of autonomous technologies.

UDRI is ranked first in the nation among all colleges and universities for sponsored materials research, according to the National Science Foundation. In Ohio, UDRI is number one among colleges and universities receiving contracts and grants from the Department of Defense. UDRI’s materials sector performs innovative materials research & development at all levels, TRLs 1-8, including basic and applied research, sustainment technologies and technology transition. We invite qualified candidates to apply for the position of Director of Autonomous Systems Office in our Digital and Systems Engineering sector. The Autonomous Systems Office has over 35 employees and annual revenues of ~5M. The researchers of this office are located at WPAFB and on the UDRI Dayton campus. The Autonomous Systems Office is dedicated to providing innovative solutions to the Air Force, focusing on new and existing air vehicles. The Autonomous Systems Office supports artificial intelligence research by developing decision and execution services for mission autonomy. These services incorporate human input from across the echelons of: military doctrine, operations planning, command and control (C2), and pilot direction, to determine tactical courses of action (COAs) for autonomous vehicles, human machine teaming and advancing autonomous systems technology through rigorous research and developing practical solutions for manned-unmanned teaming.

The Institute has a tradition of research excellence with an uncompromising commitment to providing customers with quality products while maintaining the highest ethical standards. It is keenly aware that compliance with applicable laws and regulations is an essential condition for performing its business. Its commitment to compliance is based on providing a supportive environment, the integrity of its employees, and their support of the University's policies and applicable laws and regulations of the United States.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the office Director will play a crucial role in securing new business opportunities and expanding existing testing, characterization and research programs. They will engage regularly with sponsors and clients to assess needs, monitor performance, establish long term relationships and oversee the preparation of major research proposals.

The Director role is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to drive impactful research and technical programs within a dynamic and diverse organization. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and managing complex projects across various technical areas, ensuring that all initiatives meet compliance standards and are delivered on time and within budget. This role is essential in shaping the office’s mission, vision, and strategic goals, with a strong emphasis on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as upholding key University policies related to safety and communication.

In addition to technical and business acumen, this role demands strong leadership capabilities, including mentoring office leadership and fostering collaboration within and across divisions and sectors. The office director will be responsible for the overall operations (including profit/loss) ensuring that office is being run effectively, efficiently and above required margin. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in managing business operations, leading large teams, securing significant funding, and delivering strategic results. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact on both the office and the broader research community.

MR1:
1. Bachelor's degree in engineering or relevant field
2. Over 10 years of related experience
3. Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience
4. Supervisory experience managing diverse teams of at least 15 or more professional employees
5. Previous experience with managing operations of engineering/testing facilities
6. Proven track record in managing duties such as profit/loss, budget creation/analysis and securing funding
7. Proven track record in marketing, developing roadmap strategies to remain successful and competitive in the autonomous systems area
8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
9. Proven success in generating $3-5 million in sponsored program revenues annually
10. Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen and have the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

An MR2 must meet all MR1 minimum qualifications in addition to the qualifications listed below:
MR2:
1. Over 15 years of related experience

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

1. Advanced technical in relevant field
2. 15 or more years of related experience
3. 10 or more years of leadership experience
4. Supervisory experience managing 30+ professional employees
5. Proven success in overseeing $5-10 million in sponsored program revenues annually
6. Experience with strategic planning and implementing organizational objectives
7. Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop leadership within the center

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.