Department Contact: Pei Xu, (575) 646-5870, pxu@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: We are looking for a Research Engineer to join the labs of Dr. Pei Xu and Dr. Huiyao Wang. You’ll be at the forefront of brackish and produced water research, designing experimental systems and managing field operations at major desalination and oilfield sites.

Position Details

Position Title: Research Engineer

College/Division: Engineering College

Department: 360400-CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $ 67,161.67

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: The position is to support the research team led by Dr. Pei Xu and Dr. Huiyao Wang in conducting research on brackish water desalination and produced water treatment and reuse. The Research Engineer will play a key engineering role in the design, operation, and evaluation of advanced water treatment systems at both laboratory and pilot scales. Specific job duties and responsibilities include:
1. Design and Operation of Experimental Systems
-Lead or assist in the design, construction, and operation of laboratory- and pilot-scale treatment systems
2. Pilot Testing and Field Deployment
-Coordinate the deployment, operation, and maintenance of pilot systems at test sites, such as the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant and oilfield locations.
3. Water and Brine Characterization
-Perform sampling and conduct analytical testing of produced water, brine, and treated water.
-Interpret results and support optimization of treatment processes.
4. Data Management and Analysis
-Collect, organize, and analyze water quality, operational and experimental data.
-Prepare technical summaries, figures, and reports for internal use and sponsor reporting.
-Prepare peer-reviewed publication
5. Research Collaboration and Reporting
-Collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and external partners on research tasks.
-Support the preparation of journal manuscripts, presentations, and technical reports.
6. Compliance and Safety
-Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and environmental regulations.
-Maintain documentation for research protocols and equipment use.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
Associate's Degree + 7 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 5 years of relevant experience.

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering or a closely related field.

Special Certification/Licensure: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed indoors.

Physical Effort: Light physical effort. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.