Research Engineer, Level II - IV

Texas A&M University System • Bryan, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience (for Level II).
• Four years of related experience (for Level III).
• Six years of related experience (for Level IV).
• Basic proficiency in Python and/or C++, with foundational exposure to object-oriented programming through academic study or early professional experience (for Level II).
• 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 (for Level II).
• Some hands-on exposure to real-time simulation engines such as Unreal Engine, Unity, or comparable platforms through coursework, personal projects, or internships (for Level II).
• Awareness of hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation concepts, with a strong eagerness to build expertise in this area (for Level II).
• Developing problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently resolve straightforward technical issues and escalate complex challenges appropriately (for Level II).
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to document work and share progress updates effectively within a team setting (for Level II).
• Basic technical writing ability, including experience producing lab reports, project documentation, or coursework deliverables (for Level II).
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset, with a demonstrated ability to contribute constructively within group projects or early professional environments (for Level II).
• Basic familiarity with version control tools such as Git, or a strong willingness to quickly learn structured development workflows (for Level II).
• Genuine curiosity about end-user needs and an openness to learning how to translate operational needs into technical solutions (for Level II).
• Proficiency in Python and C++, with demonstrated experience applying object-oriented programming techniques in a professional or research setting (for Level III).
• Comfortable working in both Linux and Windows operating environments, including command-line navigation, scripting, and environment configuration (for Level III).
• Working knowledge of real-time simulation engines such as Unreal Engine, VBS4, or comparable platforms (for Level III).
• Foundational understanding of hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation concepts, with some practical experience connecting simulation systems to physical hardware (for Level III).
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently troubleshoot moderately complex technical challenges across integrated simulation systems (for Level III).
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including experience explaining technical work to colleagues and non-technical stakeholders in professional settings (for Level III).
• Competent technical writing skills, with experience producing engineering documentation, test reports, and requirements specifications (for Level III).
• Collaborative mindset with demonstrated ability to work productively in team-based, interdisciplinary research environments (for Level III).
• Proficiency with version control tools such as Git, and experience working within structured development or research workflows (for Level III).
• Prior experience engaging with end-users to gather technical requirements (for Level III).
• Proficiency in Python and C++, with extensive hands-on experience applying object-oriented and systems-level programming techniques in professional research and engineering contexts (for Level IV).
• Comfort working across Linux and Windows operating environments, including advanced scripting and environment configuration (for Level IV).
• Working knowledge of real-time simulation engines such as Unreal Engine, VBS4, or comparable platforms (for Level IV).
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation, including interfacing with real aircraft or embedded hardware systems (for Level IV).
• Advanced problem-solving and system-level analysis, with a proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical challenges and develop scalable, maintainable solutions (for Level IV).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience presenting technical work to diverse audiences including senior leadership, external partners, and non-technical end-users (for Level IV).
• Strong technical writing skills, with a track record of producing high-quality engineering documentation, research publications, technical proposals, and formal requirements specifications (for Level IV).
• Demonstrated leadership in team-based, interdisciplinary research environments, with experience coordinating across multiple workstreams and guiding collaborative technical efforts (for Level IV).
• Proficiency with version control tools such as Git and experience working within structured development or research workflows (for Level IV).
• Experience engaging with operational end-users to translate real-world mission needs into rigorous technical and simulation requirements (for Level IV).
• Must be able to obtain a DoW (Department of War) security clearance.
• This is a security-sensitive position and is restricted to U.S. citizens only.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• competitive health benefits
• paid vacation
• sick leave
• 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
• wellness programs to promote work/life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level