PRINCIPAL COMPUTER SCIENTIST - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - STAFF COMPUTER SCIENTIST - LabVIEW Developer & Architect

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.