SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute is seeking a Research Engineer in San Antonio, Texas. The ideal candidate has a Masters degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering and 4+ years of experience in automotive engineering. Responsibilities include leading optimization programs for engines, mentoring junior staff, and conducting technical reviews. Proficiency in Matlab, Simulink, and data acquisition is essential. The role requires 10% domestic travel and includes competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• 4 years of post-baccalaureate experience or research in automotive engineering.
• Experience in control algorithm development and implementation for real-time controllers.
• Proficiency in communication of test data through detailed reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs developing optimization techniques for engines.
• Oversee implementation of rapid prototyping controllers.
• Conduct technical reviews to validate models and strategies.

Skills

Matlab

Simulink

Control Desk-Dspace

LabVIEW

Data acquisition

Education

Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering

Tools

National Instruments hardware

Job description

Providing design, development, and analysis on components, engines, transmissions, and vehicles, we also support research and modeling for fuel mixing, combustion, filtration, and fluid flow analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs focused on developing advanced optimization techniques and control strategies for conventional, electrified, and alternative fuel engines, exhaust aftertreatment systems, and other integrated vehicle control systems.
• Architect and oversee the implementation of rapid prototyping controllers (such as NI cRIO, dSPACE, and ETAS) by mentoring junior staff and ensuring alignment with program objectives and system requirements.
• Provide strategic guidance on the application of advanced control theory, signal processing, and data analysis to enhance the efficiency, performance, and sustainability of powertrain systems.
• Conduct technical reviews to validate models and control strategies, ensuring seamless integration across systems.
• Write high-quality reports and deliver presentations to clients and stakeholders, translating complex concepts into actionable recommendations with opportunities to expand project portfolios.
• Prepare bids and lead technical and promotional initiatives to win new work, cultivating client relationships to drive collaboration and innovation.

Requirements

• Requires a Masters degree or foreign equivalent, in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering.
• Must have 4 years of post-baccalaureate experience or research as a Research Engineer or related automotive engineering research role.
• The 4 years of experience must include automotive engineering research, control algorithm development and implementation for real-time controllers, vehicle, fuel economy, combustion, and emissions testing, data acquisition and analysis.
• The experience must include proficiency in Matlab, Simulink, Control Desk-Dspace, LabVIEW, National Instruments hardware, and the ability to communicate test data and results to clients through detailed reports.
• The experience must include preparing bids, promotional materials and proposal presentations for new projects and clients.
• Must travel 10% domestically to conduct promotional activities and support clients on-site.

Job Location

San Antonio, Texas

Benefits information available at this location and across other locations.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.