Job Title
Research Engineer III
Agency
Texas A&M University System Offices
Department
Bush Combat Development Complex
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Bryan, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Salary:
$5,084.33 - $9,166.67 per month commensurate with experience.
Job Description Summary:
The Research Engineer III independently applies advanced engineering principles to design and implement the core algorithms and software architectures that power our multi-agent systems. At the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC), the Research Engineer for Multi-Agent Autonomy develops next-generation autonomous systems that enable coordinated, heterogeneous fleets to operate in complex, unstructured environments. This research focuses on the integration of diverse platforms, ranging from tactical UTVs and military-grade UGVs to unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous helicopters. We aim to solve the fundamental challenges of multi-agent coordination and shared situational awareness, fostering the human-agent teaming essential for future mission success. By bridging the gap between sophisticated algorithms and real-world application, our team develops technologies that significantly enhance unit capabilities, mobility, and speed of action. We translate theoretical breakthroughs into field-demonstrated reality through System Experimentation and Field Testing using our multi-vehicle fleet in the diverse off-road terrain of the RELLIS campus.
Responsibilities:
- Designs, implements, and maintains software modules for multi-agent coordination, including task allocation, decentralized path planning, and coordinated multi-vehicle behaviors.
- Produces efficient code (Python/C++) subject to computational and resource constraints to function effectively on embedded hardware and within ROS2 middleware.
- Implements communication protocols and data-sharing architectures to support shared situational awareness across heterogeneous air and ground assets.
- Optimizes perception and navigation stacks for reliable operation across diverse hardware platforms (e.g., tactical UTVs, military-grade UGVs, and UAVs).
- Troubleshoots, debugs, maintains, and improves existing software and algorithms within the BCDC autonomy stacks.
- Develops and utilizes multi-level simulation environments to validate multi-agent strategies and algorithmic performance prior to field deployment.
- Conducts hardware exploration and sensor selection (e.g., LiDAR, cameras, Radar, GNSS) to define perception systems tailored to specific project and algorithmic requirements.
- Performs hands-on system hardware integration and tuning for perception, navigation, and coordination subsystems, ensuring hardware-software synergy.
- Tests and deploys programs, applications, and ROS2 nodes in simulation and on physical hardware platforms.
- Contributes to the development of software-hardware interfaces for new platforms, including autonomous helicopters and robotic ground vehicles.
- Independently designs real-world experiment protocols and corresponding metrics to evaluate the performance of complex multi-agent systems in unstructured environments.
- Participates in demonstrations to stakeholders, reviews and evaluates results, and establishes conclusions based on capability performance.
- Generates technical documentation, system requirements, and user manuals to aid future project developments and technology transition.
- Collaborates with faculty, senior staff, and project leads to translate high-level research goals into actionable software requirements.
- Contributes significantly to technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Four years of related experience.
Registration, Certifications, and Licenses:
- Must be able to obtain a U.S. Department of War Security Clearance.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Advanced proficiency in modern C++ and Python for robotics and distributed systems.
- Ability to perform hardware-software integration and troubleshoot field-deployed systems.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical Information clearly ta senior management.
- Strong technical writing skills for reports and publications.
- Highly collaborative and able to work in a team-based environment.
- Familiarity with principles of Agile project management in an R&O context.
- Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong understanding of R0S2 or similar distributed middleware (e.g., DDS, Zenoh, ZeroMQ, Kafka) and Linux-based development environments.
- Familiarity with networking fundamentals (TCP/UDP, multicast} and their application in distributed robotic communication.
- Familiarity with robotic sensor hardware (UDAR, Cameras, IMU, GNSS} and their Integration within autonomous stacks.
- Familiarity with multi-level simulation tools (e.g., Isaac Sim, Gazebo) for algorithmic validation.
Other Requirements:
This is a security-sensitive position and is restricted to U.S. citizens only. Only complete applications will be considered for employment at The Texas A&M System Offices. Incomplete job application data could result in your application being rejected without an option to reapply. A cover letter and resume may be required in addition to a completed employment application.
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 the completion of the criminal history check.
