Assured PNT and Sensor Fusion Research Associate

The University of Texas at Austin; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratories at The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a Research Associate in Assured PNT and Sensor Fusion. The role focuses on secure, robust navigation in contested environments and involves GNSS research, multi-sensor fusion, and software development within SGL.

Based on the Pickle Research Campus in North Austin, this exempt, full-time position offers a challenging environment, publication opportunities, and collaboration with sponsors and external

Qualifications

• PhD in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, computer science, mathematics, or a related field.
• Experience developing software for scientific applications.
• Experience developing GNSS, radionavigation, or PNT estimation algorithms.
• Demonstrated record of authoring peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Strong communication skills for presenting complex ideas to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently with sensitive information and manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-level independent GNSS signals and software research relevant to SGL.
• Present and publish research to sponsors and external organizations.
• Develop estimation and fusion algorithms for PNT in contested environments.
• Develop methods to detect GNSS spoofing and jamming and geolocate interference sources.
• Plan and execute field data collection campaigns using SDR, GNSS, and multi-sensor platforms.
• Document implementations thoroughly and define test cases.

Skills

GNSS

Algorithm development

C/C++

Python

Publish peer-reviewed papers

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, computer science, mathematics, or a related field

Tools

Git

GitHub

GitLab

Linux

LaTeX

AWS

Job description

Job Posting Title: Assured PNT and Sensor Fusion Research Associate ---- Hiring Department: Applied Research Laboratories ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA ---- Earliest Start Date: Immediately ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue ---- Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Job Details: Purpose Applied Research Laboratories is a University Affiliated Research Center at The University of Texas at Austin, located on the Pickle Research Campus in North Austin. Through fundamental research, innovative science, and applied engineering, ARL:UT makes significant contributions in support of national security. Within ARL:UT, the Space and Geophysics Laboratory (SGL) engages in research in electromagnetic propagation, geo-positioning, and remote sensing. The lab monitors the long-term performance of GPS, addresses the specification of government geodetic-quality GPS receivers, and designs and executes government tests for industry-produced receivers. We are seeking a Research Associate to provide expertise in secure, robust, and precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), and scientific rigor across a portfolio of technologies germane to the interests of SGL listed above, in order to advance the state of the art in these areas. The position focuses on navigation-level problems in contested and degraded environments. These include detecting, characterizing, and geolocating sources of radio-frequency interference and spoofing; fusing GNSS with complementary sensors; and extracting PNT from non-traditional signals, including those of LEO satellite constellations.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-level independent GNSS signals and software research relevant to the interests of SGL.
• Present and publish your research, both internally and externally. This may involve participating in project reviews and technical interface meetings to present designs and test results to sponsors and other external organizations, as well as publishing work in scientific journals and presenting work at conferences.
• Contribute to the first-principles problem formulations, algorithm development, systems designs, software implementations, and collection methods for PNT applications in contested and degraded environments. This work draws on expertise in GNSS, estimation and detection theory, and multi-sensor fusion.
• Develop and evaluate techniques to detect, characterize, and mitigate GNSS spoofing and jamming.
• Develop methods to geolocate interference sources from terrestrial, airborne, and space-based platforms.
• Develop state estimators that tightly couple GNSS carrier-phase measurements with inertial, visual, radar, or other sensor data, including integer ambiguity resolution and integrity monitoring.
• Characterize and exploit signals of opportunity, including broadband LEO downlinks and other non-navigation signals, for ranging, timing, and positioning.
• Derive estimation performance bounds to guide system design.
• Plan and execute field data collection campaigns using software-defined radio, GNSS, and multi-sensor platforms.
• Analyze results and develop recommendations for improvement.
• Implement software algorithms in a collaborative environment.
• Work closely with team members to define interfaces between program components.
• Document implementations thoroughly and clearly.
• Define, implement, and execute test cases for program functions.
• Further develop knowledge of PNT, estimation theory, sensor fusion, and software development principles.
• Provide guidance and assistance to other full time employees and student employees.
• Provide technical leadership and identify new directions for research.
• Other related functions as assigned and occasional travel to support meetings.

Required Qualification

• PhD in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, computer science, mathematics, or a related field.
• Experience developing software for scientific applications.
• Experience developing GNSS, radionavigation, or PNT estimation algorithms.
• Demonstrated record of authoring peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Demonstrated record of presenting scientific content to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Applicant must have a dynamic skill set, willing to work with new technologies, be highly organized and capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing their time.
• The position will require attention to detail, effective problem solving skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision and effectively communicate with various groups of clients.
• Able to work under pressure and accept supervision.
• Regular and punctual attendance.
• US Citizen.
• Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GNSS spoofing and jamming detection, signal authentication, or interference characterization.
• Experience with RF emitter geolocation techniques, such as TDOA/FDOA or Doppler-based methods, from single or multiple platforms.
• Experience with carrier-phase differential GNSS (CDGNSS/RTK), integer ambiguity resolution, and navigation integrity.
• Experience with tightly coupled GNSS/inertial navigation, visual SLAM or bundle adjustment, or radar-based odometry and localization.
• Experience with LEO-based PNT. This includes characterizing the structure of non-cooperative signals, OFDM-based ranging, and time-of-arrival and Doppler estimation.
• Experience developing software-defined GNSS receivers, including real-time implementations and RF front-end integration.
• Experience with adversarial estimation or game-theoretic decision-making, such as counter-UAS applications.
• Experience collecting and curating large raw-RF or multi-sensor datasets.
• Experience with any of the following: multi-rate signal processing, remote sensing, radar, wireless communications, RF signal processing, ionosphere, reference frames, orbital mechanics, and digital design.
• Experience estimating orbits of spacecraft and satellites.
• Experience in writing proposals for and leading externally funded research projects.
• Experience with high-performance computing.
• Proficiency with programming languages such as Python, C/C++, FORTRAN, or similar.
• Experience developing on Linux and Windows platforms, including terminal-based environments (bash), version control (Git and GitHub/GitLab), and cloud services (such as AWS).
• Proficiency with LaTeX.
• Eligibility for immediate access to classified information.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

General Notes

An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.

Please mark "yes" on the application question that asks if additional materials are required. Failure to attach all additional materials listed below may result in a delay in application processing.

Salary Range

$120,000-165,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Standard office conditions
Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
Use of manual dexterity
Some weekend, evening and holiday work
Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and Responsibility. If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

About Us

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world‑changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world. Looking for a student job? Please see our Student Employment site.