Research Engineer, Level II - IV

Job Title

Research Engineer, Level II - IV

Agency

Texas A&M University System Offices

Department

Bush Combat Development Complex

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Bryan, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

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 s