Southwest Research Institute - Fulltime

Who We Are: The Purchasing Program Compliance Group's Cybersecurity Office is responsible for vetting vendors for cybersecurity compliance, and ensuring that all procurement processes align with federal CMMC requirements. This position requires strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of supply chain management and cybersecurity regulations. Objectives of this Role: Associate Specialist/Specialist position to perform supply chain cybersecurity risk management and ensure supply chain compliance with government cybersecurity requirements. Monitor cybersecurity surveys, review files produced for audit, and assist with training the Purchasing Department and technical division staff. Ensure effective supply chain cyber risk management in accordance with internal and regulatory requirements. Oversee Supply Chain Cybersecurity Compliance to ensure alignment with Federal Government requirements, including Supply Chain Cyber Risk Management (SCRM). Manage and monitor the entire SCRM lifecycle, identify, mitigate, and document risk throughout the process. Attend/ participate in meetings, incl. virtual, conferences, and working groups related to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and other Federal Government cybersecurity requirements. Help develop and maintain policies and procedures and other process documents. Contribute to increasing awareness of supply chain cyber risk management through training for Purchasing and non-Purchasing staff. Continuously monitor suppliers to ensure compliance, identify issues, and work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to manage timely remediation. Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Submit surveys to suppliers to determine compliance with Federal Government cybersecurity requirements. Receive, analyze, and interpret supplier survey responses. Communicate survey results to stakeholders and management as needed. Regularly monitor and stay updated on CMMC rules and regulations, while providing training and guidance to purchasing and technical staff to ensure compliance and understanding. Draft contract language as needed to ensure compliance, and maintain standard language approved by Legal in a central repository. Support DCMA cybersecurity assessments of Purchasing processes, and help develop corrective action plans in the event of findings. Perform daily administrative tasks to document and maintain Purchasing Cybersecurity vendor records, ensuring vendor compliance statuses are accurate, organized, and audit-ready for both internal and external reviews. Develop a deep understanding of the risk landscape for supply chain cybersecurity, and gain a good understanding of how to prioritize and protect against these threats from a procurement standpoint through approved training and online research. Other duties as assigned. Requirements: Requires a Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Cybersecurity, or a related field. 1-5 years: Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, detail-oriented approach to mitigating supply chain risks. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 1-5 years: Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, leveraging strong interpersonal skills to build relationships, facilitate teamwork, and drive successful outcomes in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Proven ability to design and conduct effective training. 1-5 years: Must have advanced skills Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams), with advanced skills in Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and data analysis) as well as experience in Adobe Acrobat, with strong skills in creating, editing, and formatting. A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Who We Are: We develop, maintain, and advance MoSAIC (Modular System for Automation, Instrumentation, and Control), our LabVIEW-based software platform designed for automated R&D testing of electro-mechanical systems and components. MoSAIC enables seamless data acquisition, real-time control, scripting, and logging through integration with National Instruments (NI) hardware (e.g., PXI, CompactRIO) and RTOS. The platform supports a wide range of applications, including testing vehicle battery packs, electric motors, electric vehicles, internal combustion engines, drivetrains, locomotives, & many others. Objectives of this Role: Collaborate with a team of data acquisition, instrumentation, and controls experts to develop, maintain, and deploy LabVIEW-based MoSAIC software solutions to support data acquisition, test system control, and automation for a wide variety of systems across a 300+ person labor Apply expertise in LabVIEW, NI Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), and associated NI hardware to streamline test cell operations, increase resource efficiency, and meet challenging R&D objectives. Lead or contribute to all phases of system/software integration: Requirements Gathering and Analysis, System Design, Development, Integration and Testing, Acceptance, System Installation, Deployment, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Data Security. Contribute to setting standards for software design and coding practices. Carry out code reviews of junior developers. Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Work in a team or independently to develop and support LabVIEW-based applications for controlling test articles in R&D testing environments. The working environment will include office as well as laboratory/field assignments. Capture user requirements, analyze needs, and refine software designs within time and cost constraints. Provide software modifications, enhancements, and technical assessments. Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and project stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions. Troubleshoot software, RTOS, instrumentation hardware (e.g., PXI, CompactRIO), sensors, and associated systems. Engage in hands-on troubleshooting and fieldwork to ensure software and hardware align with project requirements. Review code regarding functionality, coding standards, and cybersecurity. Provide recommended improvements. Primary job function is located at the SwRI main campus in San Antonio, Texas. Travel required on an as-needed basis to conduct project work. Requirements: Requires a Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering or other similar Computer Science or engineering degree with related experience. 14 - 19 years: Must have LabVIEW development experience and expertise. Fewer years (min: 6 yrs) of LabVIEW experience may be acceptable, if applicant has significant experience in other programming languages, such as C, C++, C#, and/or Python application building (not just data processing). Must have NI Certified LabVIEW Architect (CLA) certification, and, if none, must be willing and able to obtain CLA certification within 2 years of start of employment. Must be well versed in object-oriented programming. Must have sufficient communication skills. Must possess project management experience, specifically regarding level of effort estimating and task planning & tracking. Must have working knowledge of the following phases of system/software integration: Requirements Gathering and Analysis, System Design, Development, Integration and Testing, Acceptance, System Installation, Deployment, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Data Security. A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Who We Are: We develop, maintain, and advance MoSAIC (Modular System for Automation, Instrumentation, and Control), our LabVIEW-based software platform designed for automated R&D testing of electro-mechanical systems and components. MoSAIC enables seamless data acquisition, real-time control, scripting, and logging through integration with National Instruments (NI) hardware (e.g., PXI, CompactRIO) and RTOS. The platform supports a wide range of applications, including testing vehicle battery packs, electric motors, electric vehicles, internal combustion engines, drivetrains, locomotives, & many others. Objectives of this Role: Collaborate with a team of data acquisition, instrumentation, and controls experts to develop, maintain, and deploy LabVIEW-based MoSAIC software solutions to support data acquisition, test system control, and automation for a wide variety of systems across a 300+ person labor. Apply expertise in LabVIEW, NI Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), and associated NI hardware to streamline test cell operations, increase resource efficiency, and meet challenging R&D objectives. Lead or contribute to all phases of system/software integration: Requirements Gathering and Analysis, System Design, Development, Integration and Testing, Acceptance, System Installation, Deployment, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Data Security. Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Work in a team or independently to develop and support LabVIEW-based applications for controlling test articles in R&D testing environments. The working environment will include office as well as laboratory/field assignments. Capture user requirements, analyze needs, and refine software designs within time and cost constraints. Provide software modifications, enhancements, and technical assessments as lab needs evolve. Troubleshoot software, RTOS, instrumentation hardware (e.g., PXI, CompactRIO), sensors, and associated systems. Engage in hands-on troubleshooting and fieldwork to ensure software and hardware align with project requirements. Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and project stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions. Primary job function is located at the SwRI main campus in San Antonio, Texas. Travel required on an as-needed basis to conduct project work. Requirements: Requires a Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering or similar Computer Science or engineering degree with related experience. 7 - 12 years: Must have LabVIEW development experience and expertise. Must have NI Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) certification, and, if none, must be willing and able to obtain CLD certification within 2 years of start of employment and CLA within 4 years. Must have sufficient communication skills. Must possess project management experience, specifically regarding level of effort estimating and task planning & tracking. Must have working knowledge of the following phases of system/software integration: Requirements Gathering and Analysis, System Design, Development, Integration and Testing, Acceptance, System Installation, Deployment, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Data Security. A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Who We Are: The Tactical Aerospace Department is a premier supplier for aerospace quality Complex Electronics on new and legacy DoW systems. This includes avionics, mission LRU's, flight worthy payloads, ground aerospace systems, and cutting edge third generation AI/ML for DoD platforms. This position is located on-site at either of our San Antonio, TX or Dayton (Beavercreek), OH facilities. Objectives of this Role: Responsible to develop System level and LRU Architectures. Lead the development of CONOPS, develop requirements, requirement allocation, and test. Guide multi-disciplinary engineering teams to develop hardware, firmware, and software for complex flight worthy avionics/mission LRU's/payload hardware. Interact directly with clients to establish system requirements and architectures to meet client expectations. Provide technical project leadership throughout each program. Must be willing to travel. Utilize Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) processes to support system designs/architectures. Support department management in specific technical marketing activities, proposal development of embedded systems, and in the development of product/technical roadmaps. Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: System Engineer over embedded avionics/aerospace programs. Lead a multi-disciplinary team to develop, integrate, and test embedded complex flight worthy systems. This includes electrical, mechanical, firmware, software, and AI/ML. Meet with internal and external customers to establish system technical requirements and facilitate development of specification documents and system architectures. Lead trade analyses within and across the relevant domains. Work with stakeholders to allocate functions to components/systems and develop those allocations into requirements for the engineers, designers, and managers to design, develop, integrate and test. Requirements: Requires a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or equivalent engineering degree field with related experience. 10+ years: Experience developing, deriving, and allocating tiered Systems Engineering requirements in Avionics applications/LRU's. Broad, basic understanding of engineering activities/disciplines in avionics development (e.g. Systems, Hardware Development, Firmware, software, Integration, Testing, Bid and Proposal efforts, CONOPS, Qualification, Certification, System Safety, FMEA, Lab activities, etc). Experience developing CONOPS and System/LRU Architectures and basic/Intermediate experience with Model Based System Engineering (MBSE). A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Who We Are: The Strategic Aerospace Department within the Defense & Intelligence Solutions Division delivers cutting-edge engineering services to enhance the warfighter's capabilities across bomber, tanker, and heavy aircraft platforms. We specialize in world-class research, design, and support, providing innovative solutions to modern challenges and legacy systems for the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, Department of Defense, allied nations, and the U.S. Government, ensuring mission readiness and technological superiority. Objectives of this Role: Define end-to-end avionics system architectures and requirements for complex LRUs/SRUs, ensuring full traceability and compliance to platform, safety, and customer mission needs across the program lifecycle. Lead integration planning and execution from concept through flightworthy fielding-interfaces, verification strategy, airworthiness artifacts, and risk reduction-accelerating delivery with predictable outcomes. Serve as the technical integrator across multidisciplinary teams, providing direction to avionics, software, electrical, and test staff to resolve issues, control interfaces, and drive decisions to closure. Ensure government process readiness by shaping compliance evidence (V&V plans, ICDs, reviews, test readiness) and aligning engineering execution to customer approvals, enabling smooth certification and operational acceptance. Drive modernization and sustainment roadmaps by assessing obsolescence, upgrade options, and technical tradeoffs for avionics LRUs/SRUs, translating insights into executable plans that improve reliability, maintainability, and mission readiness. Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Translate customer/platform needs into actionable avionics requirements; update traceability, ICDs, and architecture artifacts; resolve requirement conflicts and drive decisions to closure. Lead integration execution across LRU/SRU, software, EE, and test teams-manage interfaces, troubleshoot system issues, and coordinate lab/aircraft integration activities. Maintain the program's technical "battle rhythm" (standups, action tracking, risk/RAID), ensuring blockers are removed and engineering products stay aligned to the baseline and schedule. Conduct architecture and requirements reviews (SRR/PDR/CDR support), publish verification plans/matrices, and ensure V&V evidence is collected, controlled, and audit-ready for customer approval. Lead integration/test readiness and compliance cadence-review DT/OT plans, coordinate airworthiness/flightworthiness artifacts, and brief customer/stakeholders on status, risks, and next steps. Requirements: Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Electrical Engineering. 10+ years: Expert avionics systems engineering: develop architecture, allocate requirements, and maintain end-to-end traceability for complex LRUs/SRUs; strong interface definition (ICDs) and configuration discipline across the lifecycle. 10+ years: Proven integration/flightworthy fielding experience: lead V&V strategy, test readiness, and airworthiness artifacts; navigate USAF/government reviews and acceptance processes to deliver operationally ready systems. 10+ years: Strong multi-disciplinary technical leadership: drive decisions across avionics, software, EE, ME, and test teams; resolve integration issues quickly with structured problem-solving and clear technical direction. 10+ years: Systems integration rigor: manage interfaces, timing/data buses, power/thermal constraints, and lab-to-aircraft integration; produce clear technical baselines, risk management, and customer-ready documentation/briefs. A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Who We Are: The Intelligent Systems Division develops automated and robotic solutions for commercial and government clients in multiple domains. Objectives of this Role: Join the Robotics Department to contribute to building advanced capabilities, technologies and solutions in the field of industrial robotics and automation that solve real-world challenges faced by our customers. Lead novel Physical AI and Robotic application development with vision-language-action (VLA) 3D perception and complex surface reconstruction. Business development for new applications, industries, and clients for novel robotic capabilities; more specifically fabrication robotics (heavy industry, foundries, assembly, shipbuilding, etc). Technical leadership and project management of cutting edge robotics applications. Visit to learn about some of the work we do. Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Communicate effectively with internal team, external clients, and industry partners. Design, build, debug and implement robotic and automation solutions primarily using software skills. Lead technical role, project management, and customer engagement. Coordinate individual performance goals and objectives set by the organization as well as lead project teams to realize organizational objectives. Prepare proposals and cost estimates. Interact with customers to promote new business and develop technical requirements. Has a special focus on software design for robotic manipulators. Requirements: Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Robotics, Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or other robotics-related engineering degree. Fewer years of experience may be considered for those with graduate degrees. 10-20 years: Relevant industry experience in robotic systems research and development in organizations to include a manufacturer, robotics company, robotics integrator, etc. 10-20 years: Strong software skills; C++ or Python required. 2-5 years: Robot Operating System (ROS) experience required. Strong communication skills. A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Who We Are: The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our technologies are powering a cleaner future and advancing state-of-the-art propulsion for air and space flight. Objectives of this Role: Support the design, analysis, and testing of systems and components used in a variety of propulsion and energy processes. Typical application areas include: supercritical CO2 oxy-fuel combustion systems, gas turbine combustion systems, solid-fuel combustion systems, RDEs, and various high speed propulsion applications. Apply principles of machine design, piping/pressure vessel design, process controls and instrumentation, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer to develop test systems and specify components. Many systems operate at extreme pressure and temperature conditions. Apply knowledge of fabrication methods, assembly, and geometric dimensioning & tolerance (GD&T) to ensure components are designed in a way that can be manufactured and assembled. Utilize CAD software (Solidworks) to develop mechanical designs and visualize component fitments and assemblies. Communicate ideas, results, and other information to coworkers as well as commercial and government clients. Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Provide analytical and experimental support to more than one project in a team environment. Typical tasks include literature reviews, design, analysis, and simulation development. Use commercial engineering software for design and analysis, such as ANSYS Workbench or ANSYS APDL. Provide mechanical and machine design support for a variety of applications that include power generation, propulsion, and combustion. As needed, work across the Institute to draw on the experience from thousands of engineers and technicians. Contribute and be responsible for technical development of experimental test programs, including developing/operating a new test rig. Take responsibility for testing/rig modifications to meet new project objectives. Support the technical work of other engineers and technicians. Assess the best approach to solve problems and interrogate results for reliability. Provide troubleshooting support for tests and simulations with a firm understanding of theories and concepts using a first-principles approach. Perform mechanical design tasks at the technical direction of senior engineers in support of projects/proposal efforts. Be a problem solver that exercises creativity and judgment to help a team of engineers determine new approaches to solve a wide range of technical problems. Requirements: Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering degree. 0-5 years: Mechanical design experience applying tools like FEA to predict component/assembly stresses and evaluate fitness for service. 0-5 years: Design, commissioning, and testing experience with high pressure and/or extreme temperature (cryogenic or combustion) process systems. 0-5 years: Experience with industry standards, such as ASME Pressure Vessel Code, ASME B31 Piping Codes, machine assembly, maintenance, and repair. A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Who We Are: The Liquid Propulsion Team performs R&D to solve challenges and advance technology in liquid propulsion systems. We perform design, analysis, testing, and hardware delivery for launch, landing, lunar, and orbital vehicles. We do component design (PMDs/LADs, vortex breakers, tank baffles, etc.) and system level design, procurement, AI&T, and delivery. Our range of applications cover ground equipment to vehicles, high-g to 0-g, and supercritical to cryogenic conditions. Our programs have culminated in rocket launches, Mach 6 flight, and landing on the moon! Objectives of this Role: Design, analysis, assembly, integration, testing, and delivery of liquid propulsion flight systems. Participate at all levels including proposal and execution of flight hardware systems. Solve challenges on components and/or systems that span between the pressurant tanks, through pressurization systems, into the propellant tanks, down the feedlines, combustion, and finally out the engine nozzles. Work on multidisciplinary and flexible teams with our experts in feedline and pogo instability, slosh dynamics and control, microgravity propellant management, thermal management, pressurization modeling, and combustion. Write technical reports, papers, proposals, and presentations to support client deliverables, technical professional organizations and SwRI business development. We empower each other towards research areas of interest and career growth. Participate in design, analysis, and testing for other fluid, thermal, and machinery projects as needed. Technical areas include power generation systems, energy storage, advanced cycles, and turbomachinery design and testing. Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Be a key contributor and assist in managing programs for propulsion system development and delivery for satellite systems. Design, analysis, procurement, AI&T, performance testing, delivery and in-service operation tasks will be included. Perform design and analysis tasks for fluid, thermal, and machinery projects using engineering software, self-created analytical toolsets, and existing knowledge from engineering standards, technical literature, and industry techniques Perform experimental testing and support for both component-level and system-level testing of propulsion, energy, and combustion machinery. Perform engineering and scientific research and investigations to support projects and advance the state-of-the-art. Interpret and present findings and results to project team and clients in a concise and clear way. Provide support to more than one project in a flexible and diverse team environment. Have and demonstrate a firm grasp of engineering and scientific disciplines and applied first principles. Learn new technical skills to complete project work. Requirements: Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering degree. 5 years: Conducting propulsion system design, analysis, assembly, integration and testing of flight hardware programs. Participation in the entire life cycle: concept, design, procurement, assembly and testing. Experience in execution and management of tasks/phases/programs is desired. 5 years: Conducting fluid and thermal system analyses using commercial or custom software, such as flow network, computational fluid dynamics, or mechanical analysis solvers. Firm understanding of the underlying physics of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, aerodynamics, or heat transfer. 2 years: Experimental test experience of propulsion and other fluid and thermal systems; including, designing, building, commissioning, operating, and analyzing data. Also familiar with common flight launch and range safety requirements and acceptance/qualification procedures. Desired experience, but not required: engineering MS or PhD degrees; range safety; cryogenics; microgravity fluids; GNC familiarity; mechanical design and fabrication; computational programing/scripting; LabVIEW, PID control and data acquisition; SolidWorks; ANSYS products. A valid/clear driver's license is required.