Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the applied research arm of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. GTRI employs over 1,700 people and conducts research and development in a variety of scientific and technical fields. When considering working for GTRI, there are several key factors to take into account.
Location
GTRI is located on the campus of Georgia Tech in midtown Atlanta. For many, the location in a major metropolitan area is a big plus. There are ample opportunities for dining, entertainment, arts and culture. Atlanta has a relatively low cost of living compared to other large cities. It also has a major international airport, making travel easy.
The campus location gives employees easy access to the resources of Georgia Tech, including the library, athletic facilities and campus events. The downside is that traffic and parking can be challenging, as with any urban campus. Public transportation options are available but may not meet all commuting needs.
Facilities
GTRI has over 2 million square feet of office and lab space in over 40 buildings and locations. Scientists and engineers have access to state-of-the-art facilities for research in fields such as electronics, aerospace, biomedicine, systems engineering and many others. Labs are equipped with advanced instrumentation, prototyping tools, and computing capabilities.
Major GTRI facilities on the Georgia Tech campus include:
- Electronics Research Building – 384,000 sq ft dedicated to electronics research
- Centennial Research Building – 240,000 sq ft with lab space for advanced communications, electro-optics and other research
- GTRI Headquarters – 190,000 sq ft with lab space for materials, aeroacoustics, robotics and health systems
Having access to leading facilities allows GTRI researchers to conduct innovative applied research for a wide variety of sponsors and partners in government, industry and academia.
Research Areas
GTRI has an extremely diverse research portfolio spanning many scientific and technical disciplines. Major research areas include:
- Electronics and Microsystems
- Cybersecurity and Information Technology
- Sensors, Test and Measurement
- Systems Engineering
- Advanced Communications
- Materials and Nanotechnology
- Electro-Optics, Photonics and Optical Systems
- Aeronautics, Space and Defense
- Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Logistics
- Robotics and Intelligent Machines
- Energy and Sustainability
- Health, Medicine and Human Performance
This diversity allows employees to gain experience in multidisciplinary and collaborative projects across many technical areas. The opportunity to grow expertise and work on cutting-edge applications is a significant benefit.
Projects
GTRI takes on over 1,100 projects per year from more than 200 sponsors. Many projects are focused on applied research and prototype development, allowing hands-on engineering work.
Here are some examples of major GTRI projects:
- Developing advanced radar systems for aerospace and defense applications
- Designing next-generation fuels cells for electric vehicles
- Creating wearable medical devices for injury diagnosis and human performance monitoring
- Applying blockchain technology to supply chain management
- Detecting microscopic damage in composites using advanced imaging
- Applying virtual and augmented reality for surgical training and medical exams
The opportunity to solve real-world problems for sponsors and see research translated into functional prototypes and fielded systems is a major draw for many GTRI engineers and scientists.
Work Culture
GTRI has an open, collaborative work culture that emphasizes diversity and inclusion. There are frequent opportunities for interaction between researchers across different labs and groups. GTRI promotes a culture of innovation, creativity and excellence in pursuit of real-world impact.
As a university-affiliated research institute, GTRI offers researchers academic freedoms. There is the ability to publish research results openly. Researchers also have opportunities to collaborate with faculty and students at Georgia Tech.
Quality of life is promoted through good work-life balance, competitive pay and benefits, and investment in professional development.
Work-Life Balance
GTRI employees appreciate the ability to have a challenging technical career while maintaining work-life balance. While project deadlines must be met, employees generally have flexibility in work hours and scheduling. There are part-time options as well. On-site amenities include a wellness center, walking trails, food courts and more. Located in Midtown Atlanta, the campus offers plenty of conveniences.
Professional Development
GTRI offers researchers ample opportunities for career development through mentorship, technical training, conferences, seminars and more. Tuition assistance is available for graduate studies at Georgia Tech. There are rotations and detail opportunities to gain new expertise. Career advancement is supported at every level.
Diversity and Inclusion
GTRI has an Office of Diversity & Inclusion specifically focused on promoting a welcoming, open and supportive environment. There are 17 active employee groups supporting communities like Women at GTRI, Pride@GTRI, Blacks at GTRI and others. GTRI has won diversity awards for outreach efforts.
Pay and Benefits
As a major research institute, GTRI offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package. The average salary for engineers at GTRI is over $90,000 per year. Total compensation can be significantly increased through performance bonuses. Here are some highlights of GTRI’s benefits offerings:
| Health Insurance | Multiple plan options, partially subsidized premiums |
| Dental & Vision | Covered at low cost for employees |
| Retirement | 401k retirement plan with employer match |
| Time Off | 2 weeks vacation, 12 holidays, 12 sick days annually |
| Other Perks | Onsite fitness center, tuition waivers, discounts |
The comprehensive benefits package provides income protection, health insurance security and retirement savings contributions for employees and their families.
Job Security and Growth
GTRI aims to provide long-term career stability as an integral part of Georgia Tech. Layoffs are rare, even during economic downturns. The diversity of GTRI’s research portfolio and funding sources helps weather shifts in specific markets.
Over the last decade, GTRI has seen steady job growth as the volume of research activity increases. The number of GTRI employees today is over 25% higher compared to 10 years ago. Many employees enjoy decades-long careers at GTRI.
There are abundant promotion opportunities at GTRI. Employees can progress along technical career ladders or move into project or people management roles. GTRI supports professional development to expand skills.
Conclusion
In summary, GTRI offers many advantages as an employer that make it an excellent place to pursue a research career:
- Premier facilities doing cutting-edge applied research
- Opportunities to collaborate on impactful projects
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- Culture promoting innovation and work-life balance
- Long-term career stability and growth
GTRI has maintained its reputation as one of the top university research labs for over 70 years. Today, it continues to conduct pioneering research in an environment where scientists and engineers can thrive professionally.
