Research Engineer, Level II - IV

About the role

The System Offices of the Texas A&M University System, one of the nation’s largest higher‑education networks, is seeking a Research Engineer (Levels II‑IV) to support the ALIAS Texas project – a DARPA‑selected initiative that brings advanced autonomous capabilities to wildland firefighting and disaster response across Texas. The position is based in Bryan, Texas and works within the Systems Integration Lab (SIL), a fully integrated simulation environment that underpins the project.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Defined benefit retirement plan with employer contribution through the Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Optional defined contribution retirement plan with employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor
• Additional voluntary tax‑deferred annuity (TDA) options
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness programs to promote work/life balance

Responsibilities

• Level II
  • Assist in implementing and maintaining the integrated simulation environment within the SIL under senior‑engineer guidance.
  • Support the Air‑Ground Cooperation team in integrating autonomous flight control systems into flight simulation platforms.
  • Participate in engagements with wildland firefighters and emergency responders to document operational requirements and simulation feedback.
  • Help Research IT manage day‑to‑day SIL operations, including basic troubleshooting and maintenance.
  • Build and modify missions, environments, and basic assets in real‑time simulation engines (e.g., Unreal Engine) under technical direction.
  • Support integration of individual simulation components (flight, communications, fire) into the broader environment.
  • Assist in coordinating and executing firefighting and disaster‑response simulation exercises.
  • Learn and develop foundational hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HWIL) simulation skills, supporting more experienced engineers.
  • Contribute positively to a collaborative R&D environment, demonstrating adaptability and a strong willingness to learn.
• Level III
  • Implement, develop, and maintain components of the integrated simulation environment, taking ownership of assigned subsystems.
  • Collaborate actively with the Air‑Ground Cooperation team to integrate autonomous flight control systems, contributing independently to technical solutions.
  • Engage with firefighters and emergency responders to gather and refine operational requirements and concepts of operation.
  • Partner with Research IT to manage day‑to‑day SIL operations, identifying and resolving operational issues.
  • Design and build missions, environments, and assets within real‑time simulation engines (e.g., Unreal Engine) independently.
  • Integrate multiple simulation components, identifying and resolving compatibility issues.
  • Plan, coordinate, and facilitate firefighting and disaster‑response simulation exercises.
  • Develop and operate HWIL simulation capabilities, connecting simulation environments to real aircraft hardware with increasing independence.
  • Manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced, collaborative R&D context and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Level IV
  • Implement, develop, and maintain a fully integrated simulation environment within the SIL.
  • Serve as a key technical liaison between the Air‑Ground Cooperation team and simulation development efforts.
  • Engage directly with firefighters and emergency responders to extract operational requirements, refine simulation fidelity, and define concepts of operation.
  • Oversee day‑to‑day SIL operations with Research IT, proactively identifying systemic issues and driving long‑term improvements.
  • Design, build, and technically review missions, environments, and assets in real‑time simulation engines (e.g., Unreal Engine).
  • Integrate flight, communications, and fire simulation components into a cohesive, interoperable environment.
  • Coordinate and facilitate firefighting and disaster‑response simulation exercises.
  • Design, develop, and operate advanced HWIL simulation capabilities that integrate with real aircraft hardware.
  • Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and student workers, fostering a culture of learning and engineering excellence.

Qualifications

• Research Engineer II – Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or related field (or equivalent experience) and at least 2 years of related experience.
• Research Engineer III – Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or related field (or equivalent experience) and at least 4 years of related experience.
• Research Engineer IV – Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or related field (or equivalent experience) and at least 6 years of related experience.
• Must be able to obtain a Department of War (DoW) security clearance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Level II
  • Basic proficiency in Python and/or C++ with foundational object‑oriented programming exposure.
  • Working familiarity with Windows; basic awareness of Linux and willingness to develop command‑line and scripting skills.
  • Some hands‑on exposure to real‑time simulation engines (Unreal Engine, Unity, or comparable) through coursework or projects.
  • Awareness of HWIL simulation concepts and eagerness to build expertise.
  • Ability to resolve straightforward technical issues and appropriately escalate complex challenges.
  • Clear verbal and written communication; basic technical writing experience (lab reports, project documentation).
  • Collaborative, team‑oriented mindset with experience contributing to group projects.
  • Basic familiarity with version control tools such as Git, or strong willingness to learn.
  • Curiosity about end‑user needs and openness to translating operational needs into technical solutions.
• Level III
  • Proficiency in Python and C++ with demonstrated object‑oriented programming experience in a professional or research setting.
  • Comfortable working in both Linux and Windows environments, including command‑line navigation and scripting.
  • Working knowledge of real‑time simulation engines (Unreal Engine, VBS4, or comparable).
  • Foundational understanding of HWIL simulation concepts with some practical experience connecting simulations to hardware.
  • Strong problem‑solving skills; ability to troubleshoot moderately complex technical challenges independently.
  • Effective interpersonal and communication skills; experience explaining technical work to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
  • Competent technical writing; experience producing engineering documentation, test reports, and requirements specifications.
  • Collaborative mindset; proven ability to work productively in interdisciplinary research teams.
  • Proficiency with Git and experience working within structured development or research workflows.
  • Prior experience engaging with end‑users to gather technical requirements.
• Level IV
  • Advanced proficiency in Python and C++ with extensive hands‑on experience in object‑oriented and systems‑level programming.
  • Comfort across Linux and Windows environments, including advanced scripting and environment configuration.
  • Working knowledge of real‑time simulation engines (Unreal Engine, VBS4, or comparable).
  • Extensive experience with HWIL simulation, including interfacing with real aircraft or embedded hardware systems.
  • Advanced problem‑solving and system‑level analysis; proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical challenges.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; experience presenting technical work to senior leadership, external partners, and non‑technical end‑users.
  • Strong technical writing; track record of high‑quality engineering documentation, research publications, technical proposals, and formal requirements specifications.
  • Demonstrated leadership in interdisciplinary research environments; experience coordinating multiple workstreams and guiding collaborative technical efforts.
  • Proficiency with Git and experience working within structured development or research workflows.