LEAD COMPUTER SCIENTIST - LEAD ENGINEER - SR. COMPUTER SCIENTIST - LabVIEW Developer

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, is looking for an experienced software developer with expertise in LabVIEW to develop and maintain MoSAIC™ software solutions for automated R&D testing. Candidates should have 7-12 years of LabVIEW experience, possess NI Certified LabVIEW Developer certification, and communicate effectively. The position requires teamwork and hands-on troubleshooting in both office and field environments. An understanding of systems integration and project management is also essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering or equivalent.
• 7-12 years of LabVIEW development experience.
• NI Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) certification or willingness to obtain within 2 years.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support LabVIEW-based applications for controlling test articles.
• Analyze user needs and refine software designs within constraints.
• Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions.

Skills

LabVIEW development

Project management

Communication skills

Systems integration

Education

Bachelors degree in Computer Science or related

Tools

National Instruments hardware (PXI, CompactRIO)

Job description

03-01579

Who We Are:

We develop, maintain, and advance MoSAIC™ (Modular System for Automation, Instrumentation, and Control), our LabVIEW-based software platform designed for automated R&D testing of electro-mechanical systems and components. MoSAIC™ enables seamless data acquisition, real-time control, scripting, and logging through integration with National Instruments (NI) hardware (e.g., PXI, CompactRIO) and RTOS. The platform supports a wide range of applications, including testing vehicle battery packs, electric motors, electric vehicles, internal combustion engines, drivetrains, locomotives, & many others.

Objectives of this Role:

• Collaborate with a team of data acquisition, instrumentation, and controls experts to develop, maintain, and deploy LabVIEW-based MoSAIC™ software solutions to support data acquisition, test system control, and automation for a wide variety of systems across a 300+ person labor.
• Apply expertise in LabVIEW, NI Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), and associated NI hardware to streamline test cell operations, increase resource efficiency, and meet challenging R&D objectives.
• Lead or contribute to all phases of system/software integration: Requirements Gathering and Analysis, System Design, Development, Integration and Testing, Acceptance, System Installation, Deployment, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Data Security.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Work in a team or independently to develop and support LabVIEW-based applications for controlling test articles in R&D testing environments.
• The working environment will include office as well as laboratory/field assignments.
• Capture user requirements, analyze needs, and refine software designs within time and cost constraints.
• Provide software modifications, enhancements, and technical assessments as lab needs evolve.
• Troubleshoot software, RTOS, instrumentation hardware (e.g., PXI, CompactRIO), sensors, and associated systems.
• Engage in hands-on troubleshooting and fieldwork to ensure software and hardware align with project requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and project stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions.
• Primary job function is located at the SwRI main campus in San Antonio, Texas.
• Travel required on an as-needed basis to conduct project work.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering or similar Computer Science or engineering degree with related experience.
• 7 - 12 years: Must have LabVIEW development experience and expertise.
• Must have NI Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) certification, and, if none, must be willing and able to obtain CLD certification within 2 years of start of employment and CLA within 4 years.
• Must have sufficient communication skills. Must possess project management experience, specifically regarding level of effort estimating and task planning & tracking.
• Must have working knowledge of the following phases of system/software integration: Requirements Gathering and Analysis, System Design, Development, Integration and Testing, Acceptance, System Installation, Deployment, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Data Security.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .
For benefits information at all other locations, click here .

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.