Research Engineer III - Software Developer

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Technological University seeks a senior software professional to join multidisciplinary research teams, leading development and prototyping of algorithms for signal processing, remote sensing, and machine learning. The role requires a strong foundation in Python/C++/MATLAB and experience guiding teams of developers.

Responsibilities include deploying cloud data processing, defining objectives from user needs, and maintaining documentation, with emphasis on safety and continual learning

Qualifications

• Design, implement, and evaluate algorithms.
• Professional software development experience.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, or MATLAB.
• Proficiency in at least three of: applied mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, software design, signal processing, ML, numerical analysis, statistics, robotics, or distributed computing.
• Proficient in Linux/Unix.
• Experience leading software development teams.

Responsibilities

• Participate as an integral team member on multidisciplinary research relating to applying technological skills to solving governmental and societal needs.
• Provide technical, analytical and numerical support for research and development projects in mathematics, statistics, programming, electrical engineering, remote sensing, and signal processing.
• Lead software development projects and coordinate teams of junior software developers.
• Develop software to prototype and evaluate signal processing, remote sensing, and/or machine learning algorithms.
• Assist with defining software objectives by analyzing user requirements, system features, and functionality.
• Recommend software solutions by comparing the pros and cons of custom versus off‑the‑shelf alternatives.
• Coordinate requirements and schedules, contribute to team meetings, troubleshoot development and production problems.
• Develop software documentation and assistance tools.
• Continuously improve performance by staying aware of new technologies and software products, participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, and engaging in professional organizations.
• Accept ownership of, and responsibility for responding to, new and varied requests.
• Assist research staff with deployment of cloud computing architectures for data processing.
• Apply safety‑related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Skills

Python

C++

MATLAB

Signal processing

Machine learning

Distributed computing

Education

Master's degree or higher in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related field

Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, geospatial data science, electrical engineering, or a related field

Tools

CI/CD pipelines

ROS

GDAL

Geospatial data processing

Job description

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Participate as an integral team member on multidisciplinary research relating to applying technological skills to solving governmental and societal needs.
2. Provide technical, analytical and numerical support for research and development projects in mathematics, statistics, programming, electrical engineering, remote sensing, and signal processing.
3. Lead software development projects and coordinate teams of junior software developers.
4. Develop software to prototype and evaluate signal processing, remote sensing, and/or machine learning algorithms.
5. Assist with defining software objectives by analyzing user requirements, system features, and functionality.
6. Recommend software solutions by comparing the pros and cons of custom versus off‑the‑shelf alternatives.
7. Coordinate requirements and schedules, contribute to team meetings, troubleshoot development and production problems.
8. Develop software documentation and assistance tools.
9. Continuously improve performance by staying aware of new technologies and software products, participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, and engaging in professional organizations.
10. Accept ownership of, and responsibility for responding to, new and varied requests.
11. Assist research staff with deployment of cloud computing architectures for data processing.
12. Apply safety‑related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• Master’s degree or higher in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a similar related field, and 5 years of professional software development experience.
• -- OR --
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, geospatial data science, electrical engineering, or a similar related field, and 8 years of professional software development experience.

Required Experience

1. Experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of algorithms.
2. Professional experience in software development.
3. Proficiency in at least one of the following: Python, C++, MATLAB.
4. Proficiency in at least three of the following: applied mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, software design, signal processing, image processing, machine learning, reinforcement learning, numerical analysis, statistics, robotics, or distributed computing.
5. Proficient in Linux or other Unix‑based operating system.
6. Experience leading software development teams.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Experience in or coursework covering geospatial data or image processing.
• Experience with sensors or signal processing.
• Experience with one or more of the following: database design and maintenance, CI/CD pipelines, ROS (Robotic Operating System), geospatial data processing (GDAL or similar).
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams to perform research, solve technical problems, and/or develop software tools.
• Experience with the deployment of cloud‑based computing architectures.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

1. Ability and willingness to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance, which requires United States citizenship.
2. Excellent interpersonal, oral/written, and presentation communication skills.
3. Demonstrated ability to participate in team projects.
4. Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Holds active Department of Defense security clearance.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas at meetings and symposia.
• Ability to contribute to competitive grant proposals.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Background Check

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.