Research Engineer, Level II - IV

The System Offices is one of several system members within the Texas A&M University System representing one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a network of 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, nine state agencies, and the RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M University System mission is to provide education, conduct research, commercialize technology, offer training, and deliver services for the people of Texas and beyond.

The System Offices, within the Texas A&M University System, provides an outstanding benefits package including, but not limited to: competitive health benefits; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS); if applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor: additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options; tuition assistance; and wellness programs to promote work/life balance.

Salary:

Commensurate with experience.

Job Title:

Research Engineer, Levels II - IV

Job Description Summary:

The ALIAS Texas project Is a groundbreaking Initiative selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to transform wildland firefighting and disaster response across Texas through advanced autonomy and cutting-edge enabling technologies. As part of the Texas A&M System's partnership on the Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System (ALIAS). this project places sophisticated autonomous capabilities directly in the hands of wildland firefighters. redefining how the state combats the devastating wildfires it faces each year. 

At the heart of this effort Is the Systems Integration Lab (SIL). a fully Integrated simulation environment that serves as the technological backbone of the ALIAS Texas project. The SIL brings together a powerful suite of simulation components (physics and visual engines, aircraft simulation, communications simulation, fire simulation, etc.) Into a unified, cohesive platform. 

The Research Engineer will play a critical role in developing, maintaining, and operating this Integrated environment. This position requires regular, meaningful collaboration with both autonomous night researchers and frontline wildland firefighters and emergency responders, bridging the gap between advanced technology development and real-world operational needs, The Ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic research and development environment and is passionate about applying simulation technology to solve problems with life-saving Impact. 

Responsibilities:

Research Engineer, Level II

- Assist in the implementation and maintenance of the integrated simulation environment within the Systems Integration Lab (SIL) under the guidance of senior engineers.
- Support the Air Ground Cooperation team in integrating autonomous flight control systems into flight simulation platforms, contributing to assigned tasks and sub-components.
- Participate in engagements with wildland firefighters and emergency responders, helping to document operational requirements and simulation feedback.
- Assist Research IT in managing routine day-to-day operations of the SIL, including basic troubleshooting and maintenance tasks.
- Build and modify missions, environments, and basic assets within real-time simulation engines such as Unreal Engine under technical direction.
- Support the integration of individual simulation components (flight simulation, communications simulation, fire simulation) into the broader environment, with guidance from senior team members.
- Assist in coordinating and executing firefighting and disaster response simulation exercises.
- Learn and develop foundational skills in hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation, supporting more experienced engineers on HWIL-related tasks.
- Contribute positively to a collaborative research and development environment, demonstrating adaptability and a strong willingness to learn.

Research Engineer, Level III

- Implement, develop, and maintain components of the integrated simulation environment within the Systems Integration Lab (SIL), taking ownership of assigned subsystems.
- Collaborate actively with the Air Ground Cooperation team to integrate autonomous flight control systems into flight simulation platforms, contributing independently to technical solutions.
- Engage with wildland firefighters and emergency responders to gather and refine operational requirements, contributing meaningfully to the definition of concepts of operation.
- Partner with Research IT to manage day-to-day SIL operations, taking initiative in identifying and resolving operational issues.
- Independently design and build missions, environments, and assets within real-time simulation engines such as Unreal Engine.
- Contribute to the integration of multiple simulation components (flight simulation, communications simulation, fire simulation) into a cohesive, interoperable environment, identifying and resolving compatibility issues.
- Help plan, coordinate, and facilitate firefighting and disaster response simulation exercises, supporting logistics and technical execution.
- Develop and operate hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation capabilities, connecting simulation environments to real aircraft hardware with increasing independence.
- Work effectively within a fast-paced, collaborative research and development context, managing multiple tasks and adapting to shifting priorities.

Research Engineer, Level IV

- Implement, develop, and maintain a fully integrated simulation environment within the Systems Integration Lab (SIL).
- Serve as a key technical liaison between the Air Ground Cooperation team and simulation development efforts.
- Engage directly with wildland firefighters and emergency responders to extract operational requirements, refine simulation fidelity, and define concepts of operation.
- Oversee day-to-day SIL operations in partnership with Research IT, proactively identifying systemic issues and driving long-term operational improvements.
- Design, build, and technically review missions, environments, and assets within real-time simulation engines such as Unreal Engine.
- Integrate multiple simulation components (flight simulation, communications simulation, and fire simulation) into a cohesive, interoperable environment.
- Coordinate and facilitate firefighting and disaster response simulation exercises.
- Design, develop, and operate advanced hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation capabilities to integrate with real aircraft hardware.
- Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and student workers, fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and engineering excellence within a dynamic research and development environment.

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer II

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Two years of related experience.

Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer III

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Four years of related experience.

Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer IV

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Six years of related experience.

Registration, Certifications, and Licenses:

- Must be able to obtain a DoW (Department of War) security clearance.
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Research Engineer II

- Basic proficiency in Python and/or C++, with foundational exposure to object-oriented programming through academic study or early professional experience.
- Working familiarity with Windows operating environments, with a basic awareness of Linux and a willingness to develop command-line and scripting skills on the job.
- Some hands-on exposure to real-time simulation engines such as Unreal Engine, Unity, or comparable platforms through coursework, personal projects, or internships.
- Awareness of hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation concepts, with a strong eagerness to build expertise in this area.
- Developing problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently resolve straightforward technical issues and escalate complex challenges appropriately.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to document work and share progress updates effectively within a team setting.
- Basic technical writing ability, including experience producing lab reports, project documentation, or coursework deliverables.
- Collaborative and team-oriented mindset, with a demonstrated ability to contribute constructively within group projects or early professional environments.
- Basic familiarity with version control tools such as Git, or a strong willingness to quickly learn structured development workflows.
- Genuine curiosity about end-user needs and an openness to learning how to translate operational needs into technical solutions.

Research Engineer III

- Proficiency in Python and C++, with demonstrated experience applying object-oriented programming techniques in a professional or research setting.
- Comfortable working in both Linux and Windows operating environments, including command-line navigation, scripting, and environment configuration.
- Working knowledge of real-time simulation engines such as Unreal Engine, VBS4, or comparable platforms.
- Foundational understanding of hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation concepts, with some practical experience connecting simulation systems to physical hardware.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently troubleshoot moderately complex technical challenges across integrated simulation systems.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including experience explaining technical work to colleagues and non-technical stakeholders in professional settings.
- Competent technical writing skills, with experience producing engineering documentation, test reports, and requirements specifications.
- Collaborative mindset with demonstrated ability to work productively in team-based, interdisciplinary research environments.
- Proficiency with version control tools such as Git, and experience working within structured development or research workflows.
- Prior experience engaging with end-users to gather technical requirements.

Research Engineer IV

- Proficiency in Python and C++, with extensive hands-on experience applying object-oriented and systems-level programming techniques in professional research and engineering contexts.
- Comfort working across Linux and Windows operating environments, including advanced scripting and environment configuration.
- Working knowledge of real-time simulation engines such as Unreal Engine, VBS4, or comparable platforms.
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation, including interfacing with real aircraft or embedded hardware systems.
- Advanced problem-solving and system-level analysis, with a proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical challenges and develop scalable, maintainable solutions.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience presenting technical work to diverse audiences including senior leadership, external partners, and non-technical end-users.
- Strong technical writing skills, with a track record of producing high-quality engineering documentation, research publications, technical proposals, and formal requirements specifications.
- Demonstrated leadership in team-based, interdisciplinary research environments, with experience coordinating across multiple workstreams and guiding collaborative technical efforts.
- Proficiency with version control tools such as Git and experience working within structured development or research workflows.
- Experience engaging with operational end-users to translate real-world mission needs into rigorous technical and simulation require.

Other Requirements:

This is a security-sensitive position and is restricted to U.S. citizens only. Only complete applications will be considered for employment at The Texas A&M System Offices. Incomplete job application data could result in your application being rejected without an option to reapply. A cover letter and resume may be required in addition to a completed employment application.