Research Program Evaluation Specialist

High Performance Technologies, Inc. (HPTech) is an infrastructure-centered firm focusing on practice, research, policy, and technology transfer. HPTech was established in 2003 with the primary purpose of serving the U.S. federal government at their facilities and project sites. Our uniqueness lies in our ability to integrate physical sciences, social sciences, engineering, planning, and policy when developing and delivering infrastructure solutions.

HPTech has an immediate opening for a Research Program Evaluation Specialist. This position will support the evaluation of longstanding federal transportation research programs and laboratories, with particular emphasis on assessing research outputs, outcomes, impacts, technology deployment and adoption, and return on research investment. The specialist will develop and apply evaluation frameworks and logic models; collect, organize, analyze, and visualize quantitative and qualitative data; develop and maintain structured databases and interactive dashboards; and support benefit-cost analysis (BCA) and other economic evaluations of research programs, laboratories, and selected research products and technologies. The position will work closely with engineers, laboratory managers, researchers, program managers, economists, and other stakeholders to develop transparent, technically defensible analyses that support research management and investment decisions.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement research program and laboratory evaluation strategies, including evaluation questions, logic models, performance indicators, data collection strategies, and methods for assessing outputs, outcomes, impacts, and research effectiveness.
Design and conduct quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method evaluations using surveys, interviews, administrative and laboratory records, technical literature, research product data, stakeholder input, and other appropriate sources.
Develop and maintain structured databases and data repositories for research outputs, outcomes, performance indicators, and supporting documentation.
Develop and maintain interactive dashboards and data visualizations using Airtable or comparable database and visualization platforms to support analysis, performance monitoring, and management reporting.
Analyze relationships among research activities, outputs, deployment and adoption pathways, and short-, intermediate-, and long-term outcomes while recognizing limitations in attribution and available evidence.
Support and, where appropriate, conduct benefit-cost analysis (BCA), return-on-investment (ROI) analysis, cost effectiveness analysis, and related economic evaluations of research laboratories, programs, and selected technologies in collaboration with technical and economic subject matter experts.
Apply quantitative analytical methods, sensitivity and scenario analysis, and transparent assumptions when available data are limited or obtained from multiple sources.
Prepare technical reports, memoranda, presentations, tables, dashboards, and other materials that clearly communicate evaluation methods, assumptions, limitations, findings, and recommendations to technical and management audiences.
Collaborate with program staff and stakeholders to validate data and findings and support continuous improvement of research planning, performance measurement, and impact evaluation processes.

Qualifications

An advanced degree (master’s or Ph.D.) in public policy, program evaluation, economics, operations research, industrial engineering, statistics, data analytics, civil/transportation engineering, or a closely related field.
At least 5 years of related work experience after receiving the Ph.D. degree or 8 years of experience after receiving the master's degree.
Demonstrated experience designing and conducting evaluations of research programs, laboratories, technology programs, or other complex public-sector or technical programs, including data collection, analysis, validation, and reporting.
Demonstrated experience developing logic models, performance indicators, output-outcome frameworks, or comparable research/program evaluation frameworks.
Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including the ability to integrate and analyze data from multiple sources and develop transparent, technically defensible analytical methods and assumptions.
Experience developing and managing structured databases, interactive dashboards, and data visualizations using Airtable or comparable relational database, business intelligence, or visualization platforms.
Proficiency with analytical or programming tools such as Python, R, SPSS, or comparable software preferred; demonstrated coding or data-automation capability is highly desirable.
Knowledge of benefit-cost analysis, ROI analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, life-cycle economic analysis, or related economic evaluation methods; demonstrated experience applying these methods to transportation, infrastructure, research, or public-sector programs preferred.
Ability to conduct analyses when available data are limited or obtained from multiple sources, including identifying data gaps and developing transparent assumptions, sensitivity analyses, and appropriate documentation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain evaluation methods, data limitations, assumptions, and results to engineers, researchers, program managers, economists, and other stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple analytical tasks, and maintain strong attention to data quality, documentation, and detail.
Experience evaluating federally funded engineering or scientific research programs and laboratories, particularly transportation research programs or U.S. Department of Transportation activities, preferred.

Candidates must be authorized to legally work in the United States.

For timely consideration, please apply online by October 9, 2026.

Employment Application