R&D Software Developer (Engineering Scientist)

University of Texas; United States; On-site; USD 104,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

TRS

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin's Environmental Sciences Laboratory seeks a motivated R&D Software Developer (Engineering Scientist) to design and deploy software for real-time underwater acoustic signal processing and field systems. You will contribute across the full life cycle from design to sustainment, collaborating with researchers and engineers.

The role emphasizes Python/MATLAB development in Windows and UNIX/Linux, with opportunities to lead software efforts, present results, and work on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural or engineering sciences including computer science or related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience developing applications in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages.
• 1+ year of Python + MATLAB in Windows and UNIX/Linux environments.
• Ability to work independently and in teams with good planning and time management.
• Experience debugging software across the development life cycle.
• Experience leading technical software development efforts.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain necessary security clearances.

Responsibilities

• Design software for project requirements.
• Write flexible, maintainable code per design and tests.
• Test software to meet requirements.
• Prepare technical docs and presentations.
• Present analysis results at internal/external meetings.
• Review peer code and improve development practices.
• Deploy and support software beyond ARL.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

UNIX/Linux

Windows

Debugging

Teamwork

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural or engineering sciences (including CS/EE)

Master's or PhD in natural/engineering sciences

Tools

MATLAB MEX objects

Perl

Shell scripting

MPI/OpenMP

Job description

R&D Software Developer (Engineering Scientist)

Hiring Department: Applied Research Laboratories

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Purpose The Environmental Sciences Laboratory (ESL) delivers capabilities to government customers for multiple applications, from on-site real-time data-intensive underwater acoustic signal processing to standalone remote field systems. ESL is seeking a motivated individual to support applied research and development programs through algorithm development and implementation with a focus on signal processing, array processing, beamforming, and spectral analysis in defense-related applications. As a member of a team of engineers, you will be responsible for the full life-cycle software development; design, implementation, test, documentation, deployment, and sustainment of developed software.

Responsibilities

• Designing software according to project specific requirements.
• Writing flexible and maintainable software according to software design.
• Testing software to ensure that it meets design and project requirements.
• Prepare technical documentation and technical presentations.
• Presentation of analysis results at internal and external working group meetings.
• Review peer developed software to improve other developer’s designs and implementations and contribute to continuous improvement of development practices.
• Deploy and support software outside of ARL.
• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in the natural or engineering sciences including computer science, electrical engineering, or related discipline.
• Three or more years of experience developing applications in Python, MATLAB, or other similar programming languages.
• One or more years of experience developing applications in Python and MATLAB in both Windows and a UNIX/Linux environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively, with a strong commitment to contribution and enabling the entire team.
• Ability to debug software at all stages of development life cycle.
• Experience leading technical software development efforts.
• Applicant must have a dynamic skill set, be 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, sound engineering judgment, ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, ability to maintain a professional demeanor and work as a team member without daily supervision, and effectively communicate with various groups of clients; ability 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 appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph. D. in the natural or engineering sciences including computer science, electrical engineering, or related discipline.
• Five or more years of application development and deployment using Python in a Linux environment.
• Experience with signal processing algorithms.
• Experience with Machine Learning (ML).
• Experience with MATLAB.
• Experience with MATLAB MEX objects.
• Experience with scripting languages (Perl, shell).
• Demonstrated knowledge in any of the following: parallel computing (MPI, OpenMP, POSIX threads), scientific file formats (HDF5, NetCDF), XML, GUI development (QT, GTK, Glade), version control systems, defect tracking systems.
• Current or recent eligibility for access to classified information.
• Experience working in an applied research environment.
• Proven ability to work independently, formulate research plans, take initiative, and mentor other staff.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication and presentation skills.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater.

General Notes

An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but is not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.

Salary Range

Salary Range $104,000-$174,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Possible weekend, evening and holiday work
• Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Benefits Package

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays
• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and other relevant compliance requirements. If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

End Notes

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world.

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