Job Description Summary
Position: The Auburn University RFID Laboratory, affiliated with multiple colleges on campus, invites applications for the Research & Compliance Program Engineer. This position is a 12-month non-tenure track position.
About the RFID Lab: The Auburn University
RFID Lab is a proven leader in
RFID research and technology application. The Lab collaborates with partners to develop specialized technologies designed to enhance
RFID and serialized identification sensor capabilities and improve data capture systems in various technology fields, and researches and promotes the business case and value of adoption in food operations and supply chain. The
RFID Lab includes a simulated factory, warehouse, distribution center, retail, aviation, and food formats – including mall apparel and high-end fashion boutiques. The Lab is active in many research areas, including engineering, food safety, logistics, and using various wireless technologies to develop new solutions. The
RFID Lab engages undergraduate and graduate students and faculty members to test technology, develop intellectual property, obtain patents, and potentially generate growth in the
RFID market with new companies and products. Detailed information about programs and faculty is available
here.
Responsibilities: The primary function of the position is to support the programmatic and research operations and research projects within the field program of the RFID Lab. The various program units within the Lab are engaged in the planning and performing analyses and tests required for research, development, and/or quality control including responsibilities such as: managing the design and planning of experiments, tests, and audit functions; managing lab testing systems and retention and presentation of lab data; ensuring lab testing and reporting consistencies are maintained with large research datasets; generating new research project concepts; and overseeing and participating in faculty and industry research projects.
Specifically, the essential duties and responsibilities related to this opportunity include:
- Aids in the oversight of the daily field team operations of the Lab to meet schedules, standard procedures, records keeping and reporting requirements. Manages the design and planning of experiments, tests, and laboratory sequences.
- Collects and analyzes RFID, EPC and UPC data to provide reports to enhance the mission and goals of the Lab. Monitors and assures data quality and determines how to translate it into usable, actionable information for the formation and execution of strategies and measures of success.
- Collaborates with key stakeholders to identify compliance areas for improvement, assess current practices, and develop customized solutions that align with the unit’s unique needs and goals. Provides ongoing consultation and support to ensure that the recommended improvements are successfully implemented and yield measurable results.
- Assists in the creation of operational metrics and key performance indicators, using such standards to assist stakeholders in managing business operations to achieve best practices including process improvement, cost savings, and increased efficiency.
- Assists in Sponsored Project coordination and grant management, supports external partner activities, visits, and events for the Lab and University fundraising purposes.
- Generates new research project concepts and oversees and participates in faculty and industry research projects. Supports the Lab in the endeavors of potential funded research by preparing demonstrations and/or program-related presentations from the data collected in the field.
- Provide oversight in student team management including schedule development, instructing and training students, data collection tests, RFID tagging items in a retail environment and testing with a RFID reader to determine the quality and readability of the tags, and perform in-store barcode/inventory audits.
- May travel for field audits, events, and research as necessary.
- May be responsible for training, assisting or assigning tasks to others. May provide input for performance reviews of other employees.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
About the College and University: The Harbert College of Business has a strong tradition of providing highly desirable graduates and generating knowledge that drives diverse business thought and sustainable business practice. The college and its programs consistently rank among the nation’s best public undergraduate and graduate business programs. The Harbert College has experienced steady enrollment growth in recent years and currently serves well over 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students through six academic departments offering eight undergraduate majors and multiple Masters and Ph.D. options. The college pioneered online masters and executive education programs that are now ranked among the very best in the nation. The college has invested in building a nationally recognized faculty that moves thought forward through research, engages with industry, and delivers relevant and current instruction.
The Auburn family values tradition yet eagerly prepares for the future. Rooted in more than 160 years of tradition, Auburn University occupies 1,841 acres and is the academic home to more than 30,000 students. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement and professional success, and public/private partnerships garners a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact. Auburn University is one of the best places to work in the state of Alabama, according to the 2024 America’s Best-in-State Employers list released by Forbes magazine.
Location: Auburn, AL, is a vibrant and thriving college town and community. Southern Living recently recognized the city of Auburn as one of the top small towns in the South, and Money magazine named Auburn the best place to live in Alabama. Known as the ‘Loveliest Village on the Plains,’ Auburn offers a high quality of life, including a vibrant cultural scene at the new Gogue Performing Arts Center, SEC sports throughout the academic year, national award-winning chefs and restaurants, a K-12 school system that is top-ranked in the state, general and concierge healthcare options, and an exceptional College of Veterinary Medicine for pet care. Chewacla State Park, just five miles from campus, offers camping, hiking, mountain biking, and swimming and boating opportunities. Auburn’s historical sister town, Opelika, is a fifteen-minute drive and has become known for its eclectic downtown offerings, including multiple breweries, boutiques, and hobby shops. The Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport is only 90 minutes away, with numerous shuttle service options to/from Auburn daily. Birmingham is a similar drive to the north, and Montgomery, the state capital, is only 50 minutes to the southwest. Beaches and mountains are only a 3–4-hour drive. Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples.
Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability employer
Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications: Candidates must have a master’s degree in engineering when employment begins. Additionally, candidates must have at least 1 year of experience designing, analyzing, and reporting RFID data. The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of appointment and be able to work legally for the term of employment.
Additional qualifications include:
- Advanced knowledge of Radio Frequency systems and computer networks.
- Proficient in gathering client requirements, documentation, and solution development.
- Experience in RFID Data Analytics and Compliance Metrics.
- Must be proficient with EPC to UPC data transformation and EPC saturation reporting systems.
- Strong knowledge of DSGTIN+
- Proficient in SQL, Python, & Power Automate to create client dashboards.
- Excellent written, organizational, and communication skills.
Desired Qualifications
Special Instructions to Applicants
Process: Review of application materials will begin May 21, 2025, and continue until a qualified candidate is selected and recommended for appointment. To be actively considered for this position, interested candidates must submit the following materials:
- A brief cover letter outlining their interest in the position
- A curriculum vita
- Copy of all relevant transcripts
- Contact information for three (3) references.
