Research Engineer - Crashworthiness
TRC Inc. is seeking a research engineer to support the crashworthiness group, which focuses on developing and upgrading test procedures for evaluating motor vehicle safety. Crashworthiness research encompasses new and improved vehicle design, safety countermeasures, and equipment to enhance occupant safety. This group focuses on the kinematics and mechanics of the vehicle, the vehicle occupants and other road users and the protection during crash events. This research engineer would be responsible for projects that could include development of test procedures to evaluate injury risk in crashes involving passenger vehicles, motorcycles, or other vulnerable road users; research on evaluation of crash test dummies and components; and development of test procedures related to vehicle structural integrity and restraint systems for frontal, side, and rollover crashes, as well as child restraint systems.
Essential Functions*
• Develop, evaluate, and use analytical procedures, component and/or full-scale vehicle testing to assess occupant biomechanics and protection
• Application of the principals of mechanics and dynamics to the understanding of human injury and occupant protection including SAE J211
• Development of novel methods of testing motor vehicle safety for occupants and other road users, as well as protective equipment such as helmets
• Participate in critical analysis of existing experimental test procedures
• Provide technical oversight and/or direct involvement with test development, test setup and execution, data collection, troubleshooting, analysis and reporting.
• Ensure clear, accurate communication of the status and results of the above activities; ensure that results meet or exceed customer quality expectations
• Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet deadlines
• Operate independently and cohesively in a team environment with customer driven deliverables and milestones
*TRC Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and is willing to make a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job.
**Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Other Duties and Responsibilities (Non-Essential Functions)
• Review of engineering and medical injury literature
• Write research papers and technical reports; publish and present original research
• Perform design analyses of motor vehicle safety systems
• Completion of customer support in a timely, error-free and competitive manner
• Coordinates meetings with the team and customers to discuss project activities, impediments, needed resources or issues/delays
• Work in a team to reach technical project goals
• Critically evaluate and correct deficiencies in technical proposals, plans, and reports
• Make technical decisions with assistance
• Conduct research relating to a wide variety of motor vehicle safety issues
• Support TRC Inc.’s Quality and EH&S (Environmental, Health, and Safety) efforts
Qualifications
• Master’s degree in engineering or appropriate comparable discipline or Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of relevant experience
• A thesis-based degree or dissertation in a relevant area of research is preferred
• Technical knowledge to solve tough substantive, work-related problems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent computer skills including word processing and data analysis software
• Automotive or vehicle safety experience is preferred
Working conditions
• Standard office, climate-controlled environment
Physical requirements
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for an extended period
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Ability to communicate with customers and co-workers
It is the policy of TRC Inc. to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment practices, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation (LGBTQIA+), veteran status, or any other reason prohibited by law.