Senior Computer Engineer

University of Dayton; Dayton, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Dayton Research Institute is seeking a Senior Computer Engineer to lead the development of high‑performance software and embedded systems for U.S. government research missions. You will craft software in C++, Python, and MATLAB, design real‑time embedded solutions, and contribute to FPGA/GPU implementations.

U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain SECRET clearance are required. The role demands strong cross‑disciplinary collaboration, deep software engineering expertise, and the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science
• Eight years of professional software development experience in C/C++, Python or MATLAB
• Experience with C++, Python, and MATLAB in software development
• Fundamental understanding of compression theory is desirable but not required
• Experience with Git and cross‑platform Windows/Linux environments

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of high‑performance software and embedded systems
• Develop real‑time embedded solutions and hardware‑accelerated implementations using FPGAs and GPUs
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust, well‑tested software for government research programs
• Maintain strong technical judgment and contribute to system architecture decisions

Skills

C/C++

Python

MATLAB

Git

Windows and Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Master’s degree or 8+ years extra experience

Tools

CUDA/OpenCL/OpenMP

FPGAs

Verilog/VHDL

Job description

Job No: 503830
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: Research Institute Staff
Department: Scalable Computing - 250642
Pay Grade: R3 - Exempt
Advertised: August 28, 2026
Applications close: September 11, 2026

Position Summary:

Lead the development of high-performance software and embedded systems using C++, Python, MATLAB, FPGAs, and GPUs to advance next-generation U.S. government research missions. Apply to our Senior Computer Engineer opening that the University of Dayton Research Institute today!

The Senior Computer Engineer will lead the design, development, and optimization of advanced software and embedded systems in support of U.S. government research programs. This role combines deep software engineering expertise with an understanding of digital signal processing, compression theory, computer architecture, and heterogeneous computing platforms. The engineer will develop high‑performance applications in C++, Python, and MATLAB, contribute to real‑time embedded solutions, and support hardware‑accelerated implementations using FPGAs and GPUs. The position requires strong technical judgment, the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams, and a commitment to delivering robust, well‑tested solutions. Candidates must be U.S. Citizens and capable of obtaining (or holding) a U.S. Government security clearance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science
• Eight years of professional experience developing software using C/C++, Python, or MATLAB
• Software development experience with C++, Python, and MATLAB
• Fundamental understanding of standard compression theory, including lossless and lossy compression, entropy coding, and transform coding
• Experience utilizing source‑code version control systems such as Git
• Experience working in both Windows and Linux environments
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a United States SECRET clearance (or higher)

Preferred Qualifications:

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, or eight additional years of relevant experience
• Experience with real‑time embedded systems and firmware development
• Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) fundamentals and algorithm implementation
• Understanding of computer architecture, memory systems, and processor pipelines
• Experience with GPU programming or parallel computing (CUDA, OpenCL, OpenMP)
• Familiarity with systems engineering practices and requirements development
• Experience with Hardware Description Languages such as VHDL and Verilog
• Experience with FPGA design tools such as Quartus and Vivado
• Experience developing unit tests, automated test frameworks, and CI/CD pipelines
• Experience with software performance optimization and profiling tools
• Experience with Simulink
• Experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) in development workflows
• Experience integrating heterogeneous hardware systems (FPGAs, GPUs, CPUs, microcontrollers)
• Active U.S. Government SECRET clearance (or higher)

Closing Statement:

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.