Staff Research Engineer

Description

Aerostar, a business unit of TCOM, seeks a Staff Research Engineer to lead advancements in navigation algorithms, autopilot systems, and data-driven insights for high-altitude balloon platforms. The role requires expertise in applied mathematics, physics, software engineering, and real-world system performance.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design and development of navigation, estimation, and autopilot algorithms
• Apply statistical methods and data analysis to understand system behavior and improve performance
• Develop models and simulations to evaluate system performance under varying conditions
• Translate real-world operational challenges into well-defined research problems
• Drive technical direction for algorithm development and analytical approaches
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate research into production systems
• Establish best practices for modeling, simulation, and data analysis
• Review and guide the work of other engineers to improve technical quality and rigor
• Contribute hands-on code in Python to implement, test, and validate algorithms

What We’re Looking For

• You are a deeply technical engineer with strong foundations in mathematics and statistics
• You can think in terms of models, uncertainty, and system behavior
• You have experience developing algorithms (e.g., estimation, control, optimization)
• You can clearly explain the reasoning behind your approach
• You bring technical leadership through influence
• You are comfortable working in ambiguity and helping define the path forward for complex, open-ended problems
• You can write Python code to prototype, analyze, and validate your work

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Typically, 8+ years of experience in research, algorithm development, or advanced analytical roles

Preferred Experience

• Statistical modeling and uncertainty quantification
• Simulation and modeling of dynamic systems
• Time-series analysis and signal processing
• Experience working with real-world flight, sensor, or telemetry data
• Control systems and autopilot design
• Familiarity with transitioning research into production systems

How We Work

• We are not a startup, but we operate with ownership and technical rigor
• We are building serious aerospace systems, and we expect strong engineering discipline
• Strong preference for onsite collaboration
• Hybrid may be considered for remote candidates

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and reach
• Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities
• Primarily in a standard office environment, with occasional exposure to labs and production areas, including noise, fumes, moving machinery, and varying temperatures

Benefits

• Tokens to be determined