Assured PNT and Sensor Fusion Research Associate

utaustin; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratories at The University of Texas at Austin seeks a Research Associate to advance secure PNT, GNSS, and sensor fusion research on challenging environments. The role focuses on detecting interference, spoofing, and multi-sensor integration.

The position requires a PhD in a related field, experience with scientific software development, and a proven publication track. On-site at Pickle Research Campus with opportunities for collaboration and travel.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field is required.
• Experience developing software for scientific applications.
• Experience developing GNSS, radionavigation, or PNT estimation algorithms.
• Demonstrated record of authoring peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Demonstrated ability to present scientific content to varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct GNSS signal and software research aligned with SGL interests.
• Publish and present research findings to sponsors, journals, and conferences.
• Develop estimators for GNSS + sensor fusion in contested environments.
• Plan and execute field data campaigns using GNSS, SDR, and multi-sensor platforms.
• Collaborate with team members to implement algorithms and test cases.

Skills

Scientific software development

GNSS/PNT estimation

Publications & presentations

Independent research

Education

PhD in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, computer science, mathematics

Tools

Scientific software tools

Job description

Assured PNT and Sensor Fusion Research Associate ----

Applied Research Laboratories ----

All Applicants ----

40 ----

Exempt from FLSA ----

Immediately ----

Expected to Continue ----

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 coupled 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 appropria