Undergraduate Research Assistant (UAV- Engineering)

Texas A&M University; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 7,000 - 8,000; Part time

Job summary

Texas A&M International University seeks an Undergraduate Research Assistant to support UAV-enabled environmental monitoring and autonomous sensing systems. You will assist with drone operations, field experiments, sensor integration, and data processing.

The role requires enrollment as a half-time student with GPA 2.0 or higher and compliance with SAPP policies. Local travel and outdoor work may be involved, with a pay rate of $12.50/hour for up to 10 hours weekly.

Qualifications

• Enrolled at least half-time (6 credits per semester).
• Maintain TAMIU GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• Additional requirements as per SAPP policy.

Responsibilities

• Assist with UAV preparation and flight operations.
• Conduct field data collection using UAV platforms.
• Support sensor calibration and equipment maintenance.
• Process aerial imagery and sensor data.
• Assist with flight planning and mission execution.
• Maintain research equipment and flight records.
• Prepare technical documentation and presentations.
• Participate in regular research meetings.

Skills

PC proficiency

Multitasking

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Learning new software

Education

Undergraduate student enrolled half-time (6 credit hours)

GPA 2.0 or higher

Tools

UAV platforms

Drone mission planning

GIS

Python

Image processing

Computer Vision

Robotics

FAA Part 107 certificate (desirable)

Job description

Agency: Texas A&M International University. Department: School Of Engineering. Job Location: Laredo, Texas. Job Type: Student Worker.

Job Summary

The Undergraduate Research Assistant will support research on UAV‑enabled environmental monitoring and autonomous sensing systems. The student will assist with drone operations, field experiments, sensor integration, and data processing.

Responsibilities

• Assist with UAV preparation and flight operations.
• Conduct field data collection using UAV platforms.
• Support sensor calibration and equipment maintenance.
• Process aerial imagery and sensor data.
• Assist with flight planning and mission execution.
• Maintain research equipment and flight records.
• Prepare technical documentation and presentations.
• Participate in regular research meetings.
• Complete required training promptly.
• Submit time sheet biweekly.
• Maintain a regular schedule of attendance on campus.
• Ensure work does not conflict with class schedule.

Minimum Requirements

• Enrolled at least half‑time, 6 credit hours per semester.
• Maintain a TAMIU overall GPA of 2.0.
• Meet all other requirements as stated in TAMIU’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAPP).

Preferred Experience and Education

• UAV operation
• Drone mission planning
• GIS
• Remote sensing
• Image processing
• Python
• Computer Vision
• Robotics
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (highly desirable but not required)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in use of personal computer workstation with common software applications.
• Ability to organize and multitask functions to ensure compliance with deadlines.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Excellent interpersonal relationship and communication skills.
• Problem analysis and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to learn and use multiple software programs.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. May involve moving/lifting heavy objects between 20‑50 pounds.

Other Requirements

• May require local traveling for field experiments.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must maintain a regular schedule of attendance on campus and in the workplace.
• Work schedules are created by the department based on departmental needs but should not conflict with class schedule.

Compensation

Pay rate: $12.50/hour for up to 10 hours weekly. All positions are security‑sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.