LEAD ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - System Engineer

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, seeks an experienced Systems Engineer to lead the development of complex architectures for DoD and IC programs. You will drive requirements, interface designs, and the integration of hardware and software to meet mission needs, delivering system-level solutions through all lifecycle stages.

The role requires a BS in Electrical or Computer Engineering, 5+ years of systems engineering, Linux expertise, and experience with DSP/EW.

Qualifications

• Requires a BS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.
• 5+ years of systems engineering experience.
• 5 years hardware/software integration, verification testing, and documentation.
• 5 years Linux OS experience; Python scripting preferred; C++/Verilog/VHDL a plus.
• Experience in DSP, SIGINT, COMINT, ELINT, or EW preferred.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead and guide the development of complex system architectures, requirements, and interface designs.
• Coordinate technical activities, manage schedules and deliverables with project managers.
• Apply analytical engineering expertise to identify and resolve system challenges.
• Evaluate system performance and develop practical solutions to improve reliability and efficiency.
• Collaborate with RF, electronic warfare, signal processing, embedded systems, software, and ML/AI teams.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and staff.

Skills

Systems engineering

Leadership

Linux

Python

C/C++

EW/DSP

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Tools

Verilog/VHDL

Embedded software

Job description

16-01565

Who We Are:

SwRI’s SIGINT Solutions Department, part of Defense & Intelligence Solutions Division, develops innovative technologies integrating advanced RF systems, signal processing, electronic warfare, and hardware/software solutions. Supporting the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community, our multidisciplinary teams put mission first and deliver cutting-edge research, systems engineering, and mission-critical capabilities. We seek talented engineers who embrace innovation, thrive on technical challenges, and are driven to deliver solutions and capabilities that make a difference.

Objectives of this Role:

• Lead and guide the development of complex system architectures, technical requirements, and interface designs, ensuring seamless integration of hardware and software capabilities while meeting customer specifications and operational needs.
• Support the planning and execution of engineering projects by coordinating technical activities, managing schedules and deliverables, and collaborating with project managers and stakeholders to achieve technical, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Apply strong analytical and engineering expertise to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex system challenges.
• Evaluate system performance, technical risks, and develop practical solutions that enhance reliability, efficiency, and mission success.
• Drive technical innovation by exploring emerging technologies, evaluating new engineering approaches, and identifying opportunities to improve system designs, performance, and development processes.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technical staff while fostering a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing, professional development, and engineering excellence.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Lead and support systems engineering activities throughout the engineering lifecycle, including concept development, requirements definition, system architecture, design, integration, verification, validation, and testing of complex systems.
• Perform system decomposition, engineering trade studies, technical analyses, and risk assessments.
• Lead troubleshooting, system integration, laboratory testing, and field demonstrations to optimize system performance and functionality.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams specializing in RF, electronic warfare, signal processing, embedded systems, software, and ML/AI.
• Provide technical guidance, coordinate engineering activities, and engage with customers.
• Work closely with project managers and technical leads to coordinate resources, deliverables, and achieve milestones.
• Develop and maintain system specifications, engineering documentation, test plans, and technical reports and requirements.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and innovative engineering solutions to advance system capabilities.
• Contribute to research initiatives, technical proposals, and new business opportunities through concept development.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.
• 5+ years: Strong systems engineering experience demonstrating problem-solving, leadership of at least a small team, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• 5 years: System design experience must include systems that involve both hardware and software, integration thereof, as well as verification testing activities and generation of documents for design and testing.
• 5 years: Experience with Linux OS required. Familiarity with python scripting is preferred. Experience with C++ or Verilog/VHDL experience is a plus.
• 5 years: Experience providing solutions involving digital signal processing (DSP), SIGINT, COMINT, ELINT, or electronic warfare (EW) is preferred.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

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