PRINCIPAL COMPUTER SCIENTIST - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - STAFF COMPUTER SCIENTIST - LabVIEW Develope[...]

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, is seeking a Principal Computer Scientist to develop and maintain LabVIEW-based software solutions for R&D testing. Suitable candidates will exhibit 14-19 years of LabVIEW experience or significant alternative programming knowledge. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, along with NI Certified LabVIEW Architect (CLA) certification or the commitment to obtain it. Excellent communication skills and project management experience are essential. The role involves hands-on troubleshooting and potential travel for project work.

Qualifications

• 14-19 years of LabVIEW development experience or significant experience in other programming languages.
• NI Certified LabVIEW Architect (CLA) certification required or willingness to obtain.
• Strong understanding of system/software integration phases.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support LabVIEW-based applications for R&D testing.
• Capture user requirements and refine software designs.
• Troubleshoot software and associated systems.

Skills

LabVIEW development

C/C++ programming

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field

Tools

National Instruments Hardware

Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)

Job description

PRINCIPAL COMPUTER SCIENTIST - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - STAFF COMPUTER SCIENTIST - LabVIEW Developer & Architect

03-01580

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.
• Contribute to setting standards for software design and coding practices. Carry out code reviews of junior developers.

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.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and project stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions.
• 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.
• Review code regarding functionality, coding standards, and cybersecurity.
• Provide recommended improvements.
• 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 other similar Computer Science or engineering degree with related experience.
• 14 - 19 years: Must have LabVIEW development experience and expertise. Fewer years (min: 6 yrs) of LabVIEW experience may be acceptable, if applicant has significant experience in other programming languages, such as C, C++, C#, and/or Python application building (not just data processing).
• Must have NI Certified LabVIEW Architect (CLA) certification, and, if none, must be willing and able to obtain CLA certification within 2 years of start of employment. Must be well versed in object‑oriented programming.
• 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.

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