Department: Col of Engineering and Computing
Classification: 12-month Research Faculty
Job Category: Research Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: On Site Required
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Restricted: Yes
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:The C5I Center at George Mason University conducts advanced research in systems engineering, digital engineering, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital twins, and autonomous systems to support innovation, validation, and lifecycle management of complex engineered systems. The Center advances interdisciplinary research, education, and technology transition for government, industry, and academic partners.
About the Position:The Research Assistant Professor, Digital Engineering & Autonomous Systems conducts advanced research in digital engineering, MBSE, digital twins, autonomous systems, and control systems. Designs and validates digital twin architectures, develops lifecycle-oriented system models, performs trade studies, supports research publications, and contributes to the development of innovative solutions for complex engineered systems.
Responsibilities:- Develops and implements digital twin and MBSE frameworks for autonomous and complex engineered systems;
- Conducts research, modeling, simulation, and validation of autonomous systems and control architectures;
- Designs, integrates, and evaluates physical and virtual test environments for system-level experimentation;
- Mentors graduate students, supports project coordination, and collaborates with interdisciplinary research teams;
- Prepares technical reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and conference publications, and presents research findings; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:- Terminal degree in a related field;
- Experience conducting advanced research in autonomous systems, robotics, control systems, or digital engineering;
- Experience with modeling, simulation, experimentation, and validation of complex systems;
- Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals and conferences;
- Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), systems architecture, and lifecycle management principles;
- Knowledge of digital twin technologies and complex systems modeling;
- Knowledge of control theory, robotics, autonomous systems, and multi-agent systems;
- Skill in simulation, analysis, verification, and validation of engineered systems;
- Skill in conducting independent scientific research and developing innovative technical solutions;
- Ability to perform system-level trade studies and technical evaluations;
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts through publications, presentations, and reports;
- Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and mentor students; and
- Must be a United States person (per the requirements of the contract, e.g., U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee).
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience with digital twin development;
- Experience with MBSE tools and methodologies;
- Experience mentoring graduate students and leading collaborative research efforts;
- Experience securing or supporting funded research projects;
- Knowledge of digital engineering methodologies and digital thread concepts;
- Knowledge of systems engineering standards and lifecycle assurance methods;
- Skill in autonomous ground or aerial vehicle development and testing; and
- Ability to develop and manage research projects involving government, academic, and industry stakeholders.
Instructions to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must apply for the
Research Assistant Professor: Digital Engineering & Autonomous Systems at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information; and upload a cover letter, CV, and research statement for review.
Posting Open Date: November 2, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: December 11, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
