Research Assistant Professor, Digital Engineering & Autonomous Systems

George Mason University; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University seeks a Research Assistant Professor in Digital Engineering & Autonomous Systems to lead advanced research in MBSE, digital twins, and autonomous systems. The role involves developing architectures, validating models, and contributing to publications while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.

The position emphasizes on-site work in Fairfax, VA, with a 12-month research faculty appointment and eligibility considerations per contract requirements.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a related field with research excellence.
• Experience conducting advanced research in autonomous systems, robotics, control, or digital engineering.
• Demonstrated publication record in peer‑reviewed journals and conferences.

Responsibilities

• Develops digital twin and MBSE frameworks for autonomous systems.
• Performs modeling, simulation, and validation of complex systems.
• Designs and evaluates physical and virtual test environments for experiments.
• Mentors graduate students and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams.
• Prepares technical reports, journal articles, and conference publications.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Autonomous systems

MBSE

Digital twins

Control theory

Simulation

Publications

Education

Terminal degree

Tools

MBSE tools

Job description

Research Assistant Professor, Digital Engineering & Autonomous Systems

Job ID: 10004723

Location: Fairfax, VA

Opening on: Nov 2 2026

Position: Research Faculty (12-month Research Faculty)

Classification: 12-month Research Faculty

Job Category: Research Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Open Until Filled: Yes

About the Department

The C5I Center at George Mason University conducts advanced research in systems engineering, digital engineering, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital twins, and autonomous systems to support innovation, validation, and lifecycle management of complex engineered systems. The Center advances interdisciplinary research, education, and technology transition for government, industry, and academic partners.

About the Position

The Research Assistant Professor, Digital Engineering & Autonomous Systems conducts advanced research in digital engineering, MBSE, digital twins, autonomous systems, and control systems. Designs and validates digital twin architectures, develops lifecycle-oriented system models, performs trade studies, supports research publications, and contributes to the development of innovative solutions for complex engineered systems.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements digital twin and MBSE frameworks for autonomous and complex engineered systems;
• Conducts research, modeling, simulation, and validation of autonomous systems and control architectures;
• Designs, integrates, and evaluates physical and virtual test environments for system-level experimentation;
• Mentors graduate students, supports project coordination, and collaborates with interdisciplinary research teams;
• Prepares technical reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and conference publications, and presents research findings; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a related field;
• Experience conducting advanced research in autonomous systems, robotics, control systems, or digital engineering;
• Experience with modeling, simulation, experimentation, and validation of complex systems;
• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals and conferences;
• Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), systems architecture, and lifecycle management principles;
• Knowledge of digital twin technologies and complex systems modeling;
• Knowledge of control theory, robotics, autonomous systems, and multi-agent systems;
• Skill in simulation, analysis, verification, and validation of engineered systems;
• Skill in conducting independent scientific research and developing innovative technical solutions;
• Ability to perform system-level trade studies and technical evaluations;
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts through publications, presentations, and reports;
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and mentor students; and
• Must be a United States person (per the requirements of the contract, e.g., U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with digital twin development;
• Experience with MBSE tools and methodologies;
• Experience mentoring graduate students and leading collaborative research efforts;
• Experience securing or supporting funded research projects;
• Knowledge of digital engineering methodologies and digital thread concepts;
• Knowledge of systems engineering standards and lifecycle assurance methods;
• Skill in autonomous ground or aerial vehicle development and testing; and
• Ability to develop and manage research projects involving government, academic, and industry stakeholders.

A Force for Innovation in the Heart of Northern Virginia's Technology Corridor

About the College

The College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) at George Mason University is a fast-growing force for innovation in research and education. Ranked nationally in the top 100 in both undergraduate and graduate education, the CEC has more than 11,000 students in fall 2025. The college has 34 undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs including several first-in-the-nation offerings. Of its 326 instructional faculty, 100 are tenured, 64 are tenure-track, 100 are term faculty, and 62 are research faculty. As part of a nationally ranked research university, CEC research teams expended $83.7 million in sponsored research awards in the past year and had projects with over $66.8 million in awards. The college stands out for its leading research in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics engineering, cybersecurity engineering, biomedical imaging and devices, healthcare, autonomous systems, 5G/Next G communications, systems architectures, computational biomedicine, advanced materials and manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, and more. The college encourages and supports multidisciplinary research and provides ample opportunities for faculty to work with other disciplines.

About the University and the Region

George Mason University is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, with an enrollment of more than 40,000 students studying in over 200 degree programs. Mason is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in a range of academic fields. It was classified as an R1 research institution in 2016 by the Carnegie Classifications of Institutes of Higher Education. The university has campuses in Fairfax, Arlington, and Prince William County. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. provides unmatched geographical access to federal agencies and national laboratories. Northern Virginia is also home to one of the largest concentrations of high-tech firms in the nation, providing excellent opportunities for interaction with industry. The region is consistently rated as being among the best places to live in the country and has an outstanding local public school system.

About the Future

In conjunction with Amazon's decision to establish a second headquarters in Northern Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia announced a multi-year plan to invest in the growth of degree programs in computing. As a result, George Mason has committed to accelerating its plans to grow its capacity in computing and high-tech fields. Among the university's exciting initiatives are the launch of the Institute for Digital Innovation-a university think tank and incubator to serve the digital economy-and the expansion of Mason Square home to its Arlington facilities. In 2025, Fuse, a new 355,000 square foot building, opened to students, faculty, and research teams. This net-zero facility will house the Institute for Digital Innovation, state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces. It will also include retail space, and leasing opportunities for local businesses. These initiatives reflect hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment by George Mason that will rapidly elevate the university's already leading national position in computing and related areas.