Research Engineer I, II, III, or Senior

Mississippi State University; Vicksburg (MS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking a full-time Research Engineer to join the Institute for Systems Engineering Research in Vicksburg, MS. This position involves substantial computational science and engineering research, particularly in areas like big data and simulations.

The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in engineering or computer science, with experience in professional research. Responsibilities include executing analytical tasks and publishing results.

The role emphasizes collaboration with various partners and requires excellent communication skills, aiming for a leading position in engineering practice.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of big data, visualization, and modeling.
• Experience in simulations and model building.
• Ability to manage engineers and graduate students.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering and scientific research.
• Develop and execute computational analyses.
• Publish research findings in academic journals.

Skills

Fundamental concepts in engineering or computer science

Excellent communication skills

Education

B.S. in engineering or computer science

Job description

Apply now Job no: 510665
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 193603 - Instit for Systems Engr Resch(ISER)
Location: Vicksburg, MS
Categories: Professional
Position Open Date: May 20 2026

Position Function:

Research Engineer position in the Institute for Systems Engineering Research (ISER) within the Institute for Computational Research in Science and Engineering (ICRES) at Mississippi State University. ISER is located at Vicksburg, MS on the campus of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). ISER maintains strong interaction with industry and also stresses a cross disciplinary education and research program. The individual serves under the general direction of the MSU ISER Director located at Vicksburg, MS. Level of appointment is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform engineering and scientific research. This activity normally occurs through writing and submitting proposals for research sponsorship and the subsequent execution of a project and publication of results. Frequently, the conduct of such research requires, in addition to engineering/scientific technical skills, the management skills necessary to direct graduate students.

1. The position will have a strong emphasis on computational science and engineering research related to systems engineering and its applications. Specifically, the areas of application are big data, visualization, and modeling related to several areas of focus to include virtual reality, robotics, force protection, weapons effects, shock physics, manufacturing, human factors, or materials engineering.
2. This position will have a strong emphasis on computational science, mathematics, and engineering research related to systems engineering and its applications. Specifically, knowledge of data science along with managing, “big data”, simulations and model building, data analysis and AI/ML.
3. Plays a role in the development and implementation of new and/or expanded technical capabilities that will impact future research projects.
4. Tasks include developing and executing computational analysis for a variety of applications and sponsors.
5. Develop and enhance relationships with federal, state, local and private partners to the fullest extent possible, forming collaboration and coordinating relationships resulting in research and development activities.
6. Tasks include developing and executing high performance computing codes.
7. Publish the results of personal and sponsored research in archival journals referred to by his/her peers.
8. Pursue scholarly and professional interests which will keep his/her expertise at the leading edge of engineering practice through continuing professional duties.

Every person employed by the University is expected to meet high standards of professional integrity, collegiality, and objectivity, and to further the goals of his/her unit(s) and the University. In addition, a person of research rank must have an appropriate degree, or its equivalent in training and experience; a strong commitment to higher education, and to the mission of Mississippi State University; and a willingness to assume the responsibilities and obligations appropriate to a professional or faculty university employee. In addition, the following is appropriate at each level.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Research Engineer I - B.S. in engineering or computer science; Less than one year in a related area.
2. Research Engineer II - B.S. in engineering or computer science; Two years of professional experience in a related area; Requires two years at previous level or equivalent.
3. Research Engineer III - B.S. in engineering or computer science; Four years of professional experience in a related area; Requires two years at previous level or equivalent.
4. Senior Research Engineer - B.S. in engineering or computer science; Six years or more years of professional experience in a related area; Requires two years at previous level or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knows and effectively uses the fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization.
• Continues development of technical expertise and knowledge through experience and application.
• Excellent communication skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Occasional and/or light lifting required. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., but none to the point of being disagreeable. May involve minor safety hazards where likely result would be cuts, bruises, etc.
• Routine deadlines, usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressure from persons other than immediate supervisor.
• Job frequently requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, ability to distinguish colors.

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] or [e-mail] . If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail] . Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.