Research Engineer, Institute for Space and Defense Electronics

This position is a key technical contributor responsible for applying radiation transport, device and circuit modeling and simulation, and experimental measurements to advance the understanding of the reliability of advanced and emerging electronic device technologies operating in extreme temperature and radiation environments. The role includes analyzing radiation effects in electronic devices and circuits, as well as planning and supporting associated testing activities. An ideal candidate has knowledge of radiation interactions with electronic materials, semiconductor device physics and related radiation effects, Monte Carlo radiation transport methods, TCAD and other electronic design automation (EDA) tools, and/or electronic device and circuit testing. Reporting directly to the Director of ISDE, the individual will support multiple technical activities and contribute to a broad portfolio of research contracts. The individual is also expected to contribute to technical proposals, reports, and publications associated with this work and to support ISDE’s radiation test CORE activitiesAbout the Work Unit:The Institute for Space and Defense Electronics (ISDE) is a research organization dedicated to advancing electronic technologies for space, defense, and other mission-critical applications. ISDE brings together expertise in semiconductors, microelectronics, radiation effects, and related fields to address the challenges of operating in demanding environments. Through collaboration with government agencies, industry partners, and academic researchers, ISDE characterizes, models, and analyzes emerging technologies to evaluate their performance, reliability, and suitability for mission-critical applications.Key Functions and Expected Performance: Apply a variety of codes (radiation transport, EDA) to study mechanisms of device failure due to exposure to radiation fields Conduct electrical and radiation testing in support of research and external customer needs Mentor students and support training needs Develop and parameterize models describing radiation effects in electronics Develop test plans Plan and conduct radiation-effects testing at Vanderbilt facilities and off-site test facilities Write and publish papers describing technical results Prepare reports for research sponsors Present work at technical meetings and conferences Other tasks as assignedSupervisory Relationships:This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility. This position reportsadministratively and functionally to the Director of the Institute.Education and Certifications A Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field is necessary A total of five years of experience is necessary:o A Master degree counts as two yearso A Ph.D. counts as five years Experience and Skills: Experience with simulation and analysis is necessary Experience with radiation-effects data analysis is preferred Experience with integrated-circuit layout and analysis is preferred Experience with radiation-transport codes is preferred Experience with technology computer-aided design tools is preferred Experience with commercial EDA tools and PDKs is preferredAt Vanderbilt University, our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story. Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.Full timePosting Date: 2026-09-15