TEES Senior Research Engineer I - Integrated Networked Autonomy

Job Title

TEES Senior Research Engineer I - Integrated Networked Autonomy

Agency

Texas A&M Engineering

Department

Bush Combat Development Complex

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC) and Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) invite applications for a full-time Senior Research Engineer in the focus area of software/middleware development for networked systems in autonomous vehicle communications.  The successful applicant will work with subject matter experts and students to develop and apply advanced knowledge of real-time, distributed, networked, control systems to design, develop, implement, and conduct experiments on sensing, communication and computation networks and networked systems, with the opportunity to act as principal investigator on various projects.

Researchers at BCDC are investigating resilient real-time network architectures for autonomous vehicle communications. Their research addresses the difficulties with communication in increasingly complex battlefields. Significant advances are needed for robust, reliable communication in highly dynamic, wireless, mobile networking environments where bandwidth demands can be encountered and communications can be contested by adversaries. The objective of this research area is to develop algorithms, architectures and prototypes of an information network that support resilient information aggregation, dissemination, and retrieval across multiple locations with applications for real-time streaming, situational awareness, and command and control of autonomous vehicles.

The BCDC - located on the 2,000-acre RELLIS Campus in Bryan, TX - is an ecosystem for agile technology development and service-member-inspired research. The BCDC is the result of a partnership between the U.S. Army Futures Command and The Texas A&M University System, TEES and the State of Texas. The $200 million complex is designed to bring together researchers from U.S. universities, the military and the private sector for collaboration, demonstrations, and high-tech testing of initiatives to help accelerate military innovation for our nation’s defense.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts research, development, implementation, testing, and data gathering for sensing, communication and computation networks, and other networked systems.
• Develops software and systems for operating over cellular (5G) and mesh wireless networks, tests systems in the laboratory and in the field, conducts demonstrations, analyzes data from the demonstrations and creates reports and research papers describing these results.
• Applies skills in Java, Python, C++, operating systems and cyber security to develop software/middleware for sensing systems, control systems and data science applications operable over real-time, distributed and networked systems
• Programs cellular (5G) and mesh wireless radios, engage in protocol development, and systems integration and implementation over wireless network systems
• Carries out complex or novel assignments requiring the development of new or improved research or engineering techniques and procedures of interest to the Department of Defense or defense industrial base. Work is expected to result in the development of new or refined equipment, materials, processes, products, and/or scientific methods and approaches.
• In a supervisory capacity, plans, develops, coordinates, and directs a large and significant project, or several small projects with numerous complex features.
• Leads or participates in team research activities involving faculty, professional staff, and students.
• Develops and evaluates plans and criteria for a variety of projects and activities.
• Assesses the feasibility and soundness of proposed tests, products and equipment when necessary data are insufficient or confirmation by testing is advisable.
• Plays a key role in the acquisition of research funding; identifies sources of new contract funding and directs/participates in research proposal preparation and presentation.
• Develops technical reports and presentations, and presents results of research projects to internal and external stakeholders.
• Acts as primary author or key contributor on peer reviewed journal articles, papers, and/or presentations.
• Provides ideas to improve organizational efficiency at all levels of the unit/department.
• Develops and initiates technical standards through interactions with professional societies and key clients.
• Effectively uses peer network to expand technical capability and business development opportunities. Participates in external seminars, workshops, professional societies, and committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education:

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education:

• Ph.D. in electrical engineering or a related field.

Required Experience:

• Six years of related experience.

Preferred Experience:

• Expertise in control systems, real-time and distributed systems, middleware, cybersecurity and implementation over wireless networks such as autonomy and micro-services development.
• Skilled in Java, Python, C++, operating systems and cyber security in the context of sensing, control systems and data science applications.
• Familiar with programming radios for applications over 5G cellular and mesh wireless networks, and be able to conduct systems integration and implementation of sensing and control systems over such wireless networks.
• Experience in applied research and development.
• Experience in identifying sources of external funding.
• Experience in proposal writing.
• Experience in leading research projects.
• Experience in the development of applied research programs enabling system integration.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly and effectively through informal and formal documents, reports, and presentations to senior management.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Highly collaborative and able to work in a team-based environment.
• Familiarity with principles of Agile project management and technology development.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.