Research Engineer III

Texas A&M University; Bryan (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Defined benefit retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Wellness programs

Job summary

Texas A&M University in Bryan, Texas is hiring a Research Engineer III to develop next-generation autonomous systems within the Bush Combat Development Complex. This role focuses on designing core algorithms that enable coordinated fleet operations in complex environments.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree and four years of related engineering experience, with advanced proficiency in C++ and Python. Competitive benefits and a dynamic work environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; equivalent experience may substitute.
• Four years of related engineering experience.
• Proficiency in modern C++ and Python for robotics.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain software modules for task allocation.
• Implement communication protocols for multi-agent systems.
• Troubleshoot existing autonomy stacks and improve algorithms.
• Develop and validate multi-level simulations for strategies.

Skills

C++

Python

Agile project management

Hardware-software integration

Technical writing

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science or related field

Tools

ROS2

LiDAR

UAVs

Robotic sensor hardware

Job description

Job Title

Research Engineer III – Agency – Texas A&M University System Offices Department – Bush Combat Development Complex – Proposed Minimum Salary – Commensurate – Job Location – Bryan, Texas – Job Type – Staff

Job Description Summary

The Research Engineer III independently applies advanced engineering principles to design and implement the core algorithms and software architectures that power our multi‑agent systems. At the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC), the Research Engineer for Multi‑Agent Autonomy develops next‑generation autonomous systems that enable coordinated, heterogeneous fleets to operate in complex, unstructured environments. This research focuses on the integration of diverse platforms, ranging from tactical UTVs and military‑grade UGVs to unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous helicopters. We aim to solve the fundamental challenges of multi‑agent coordination and shared situational awareness, fostering the human‑agent teaming essential for future mission success. By bridging the gap between sophisticated algorithms and real‑world application, our team develops technologies that significantly enhance unit capabilities, mobility, and speed of action. We translate theoretical breakthroughs into field‑demonstrated reality through System Experimentation and Field Testing using our multi‑vehicle fleet in the diverse off‑road terrain of the RELLIS campus.

Responsibilities

• Designs, implements, and maintains software modules for multi‑agent coordination, including task allocation, decentralized path planning, and coordinated multi‑vehicle behaviors.
• Produces efficient code (Python/C++) subject to computational and resource constraints to function effectively on embedded hardware and within ROS2 middleware.
• Implements communication protocols and data‑sharing architectures to support shared situational awareness across heterogeneous air and ground assets.
• Optimizes perception and navigation stacks for reliable operation across diverse hardware platforms (e.g., tactical UTVs, military‑grade UGVs, and UAVs).
• Troubleshoots, debugs, maintains, and improves existing software and algorithms within the BCDC autonomy stacks.
• Develops and utilizes multi‑level simulation environments to validate multi‑agent strategies and algorithmic performance prior to field deployment.
• Conducts hardware exploration and sensor selection (e.g., LiDAR, cameras, Radar, GNSS) to define perception systems tailored to specific project and algorithmic requirements.
• Performs hands‑on system hardware integration and tuning for perception, navigation, and coordination subsystems, ensuring hardware‑software synergy.
• Tests and deploys programs, applications, and ROS2 nodes in simulation and on physical hardware platforms.
• Contributes to the development of software‑hardware interfaces for new platforms, including autonomous helicopters and robotic ground vehicles.
• Independently designs real‑world experiment protocols and corresponding metrics to evaluate the performance of complex multi‑agent systems in unstructured environments.
• Participates in demonstrations to stakeholders, reviews and evaluates results, and establishes conclusions based on capability performance.
• Generates technical documentation, system requirements, and user manuals to aid future project developments and technology transition.
• Collaborates with faculty, senior staff, and project leads to translate high‑level research goals into actionable software requirements.
• Contributes significantly to technical reports, presentations, and peer‑reviewed publications.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years of related experience.

Registration, Certifications, and Licenses

• Must be able to obtain a U.S. Department of War Security Clearance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced proficiency in modern C++ and Python for robotics and distributed systems.
• Ability to perform hardware‑software integration and troubleshoot field‑deployed systems.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly to senior management.
• Strong technical writing skills for reports and publications.
• Highly collaborative and able to work in a team‑based environment.
• Familiarity with principles of Agile project management in an R&O context.
• Ability to multi‑task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of ROS2 or similar distributed middleware (e.g., DDS, Zenoh, ZeroMQ, Kafka) and Linux‑based development environments.
• Familiarity with networking fundamentals (TCP/UDP, multicast) and their application in distributed robotic communication.
• Familiarity with robotic sensor hardware (UDAR, cameras, IMU, GNSS) and their integration within autonomous stacks.
• Familiarity with multi‑level simulation tools (e.g., Isaac Sim, Gazebo) for algorithmic validation.

Other Requirements

• This is a security‑sensitive position and is restricted to U.S. citizens only.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; defined benefit retirement plan including an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS); defined contribution retirement plan via an approved ORP vendor; additional voluntary tax‑deferred annuity options; tuition assistance; and wellness programs to promote work/life balance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a statewide network of twelve universities, eight state agencies, a comprehensive health science center, Texas A&M‑Fort Worth and Texas A&M‑RELLIS. The A&M System is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each employee. Each member institution provides equal opportunity and access to all students, employees and prospective employees.