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

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio, Texas, seeks a senior LabVIEW software engineer to develop, maintain, and deploy MoSAIC-based data acquisition and automation solutions for R&D testing of electro-mechanical systems.

You will lead requirements, design, development, integration, and testing efforts, ensure cybersecurity, and mentor junior staff. On-site at SwRI with occasional travel; a CLA-certified professional or candidate is preferred.

Qualifications

• LabVIEW development experience is required with related defense/ITAR context.
• CLA certification required or willing to obtain within 2 years of employment.
• Strong object-oriented programming skills and software engineering fundamentals.
• Experience with data acquisition, test systems, and hardware integration (PXI/CompactRIO).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to lead tasks and estimate effort.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support LabVIEW-based MoSAIC software for test systems and automation.
• Lead requirements gathering, design, development, integration, and testing phases.
• Review code, enforce standards, and perform cybersecurity checks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior developers.
• Travel as needed and work on-site at SwRI San Antonio.

Skills

LabVIEW

C/C++

Python

OO programming

Project management

Communication skills

CLA certification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Electrical Engineering

NI Certified LabVIEW Architect (CLA) certification

Tools

PXI

CompactRIO

NI Real-Time OS

Job description

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 laborApply 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.

Job Locations:

San Antonio, Texas

For more information about this division, visit the Powertrain Engineering home page.

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