Senior Research Engineer I

This position is within the Texas A&M University System Offices, part of one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation. The System Offices provides an outstanding benefits package including competitive health benefits, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, a defined benefit retirement plan with employer contribution through the Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS), optional defined contribution plans, tuition assistance, and wellness programs.

About the Role

The Senior Research Engineer I serves as a lead technical architect and contributor, driving the high-level design of the BCDC autonomy stacks while scoping and prototyping solutions for emerging technical challenges. At the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC), the Research Engineer for Multi-Agent Autonomy develops next-generation autonomous systems that enable coordinated, heterogeneous fleets to operate in complex, unstructured environments. This research focuses on integrating diverse platforms, ranging from tactical UTVs and military-grade UGVs to unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous helicopters. The role aims to solve fundamental challenges of multi-agent coordination and shared situational awareness, fostering human-agent teaming essential for future mission success.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement core frameworks for multi-agent coordination, setting standards for modularity, performance, and scalability across all BCDC autonomy stacks.
• Conduct targeted background research in unfamiliar technical domains to scope emerging problems and develop initial proof-of-concept prototypes.
• Act as a primary developer for complex algorithmic challenges, producing high-performance, robust code (Python/C++) for embedded hardware and ROS2 middleware.
• Drive the development of cross-platform communication and shared situational awareness architectures for seamless integration of air and ground assets.
• Serve as a technical authority on the evolution of autonomy stacks, identifying and implementing emerging technologies that enhance multi-agent performance.
• Direct the design of multi-level simulation environments that accurately reflect the complexities of field deployment for heterogeneous fleets.
• Architect integrated hardware-software systems, conducting technical trade studies to select sensor suites and compute platforms that optimize mission-level capabilities.
• Oversee system-level integration of ROS2 nodes across complex platforms, including autonomous helicopters and robotic ground vehicles.
• Lead high-stakes System Experimentation and Field Testing at the RELLIS campus, serving as the technical lead for large-scale demonstrations.
• Analyze complex field data to generate system-level requirements and performance metrics, closing the loop between experimental results and future development.
• Ensure technical continuity across multiple projects, balancing efforts between established research and high-priority new initiatives.
• Mentor research staff through high-level design reviews and collaborative implementation, elevating the technical standards of the development group.
• Translate high-level mission objectives and guidance from senior staff into robust system architectures and actionable development roadmaps.
• Collaborate with faculty and senior staff to identify and pursue new research opportunities, lead technical proposal development, and secure strategic funding.
• Lead the generation of high-impact technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six years of related experience.
• Experience prototyping architectures for decentralized communication frameworks, with the ability to select and implement middleware solutions for varying mission requirements.
• Experience identifying funding opportunities and contributing to the development of technical proposals for research sponsors.
• Must be able to obtain a U.S. Department of War Security Clearance.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of system architecture for multi-agent robotics and distributed autonomous systems.
• Ability to conduct technical scouting and scoping for novel research challenges in unfamiliar domains.
• Capability to develop system-wide frameworks and support technical continuity across multiple projects.
• Strong ability to bridge the gap between academic research (papers/theory) and field-deployable code.
• Familiarity with System Experimentation and Field Testing for complex, multi-vehicle missions.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the capability to represent technical achievements to sponsors and research partners.
• Desire or capacity to mentor staff and contribute to long-term technical roadmaps for an autonomy team.
• Strategic thinking regarding technology transition and scaling.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Pay

$6,251.00 - $10,000.00 per month commensurate with experience.

Other Requirements

This is a security-sensitive position restricted to U.S. citizens only.