Research Engineer, Institute for Software Integrated Systems

The Research Engineer is part of the Institute for Software Integrated Systems at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for assisting with the development, integration, and maintenance of discipline-specific software systems, web-based applications, and engineering tools to support project and research goals. This position involves engineering and software design, web application development, cloud integration, maintenance, and experimentation as directed by the Principal Investigator. Reporting directly to the Principal Investigator, the Research Engineer regularly collaborates with a multidisciplinary team including Research Engineers, Research Scientists, Graduate Students, and stakeholders to accomplish project-specific goals. About the Work Unit: The Institute for Software Integrated Systems conducts basic and applied research in the area of systems and information science and engineering. Applications of its technology span a wide range of software intensive systems from small embedded devices, through real-time distributed systems, to globally deployed complex systems. Software is increasingly essential to the functions of these systems, and it is also the primary means of adapting them to their environments and users. Our research interests lie in the theoretical foundations, modeling, design, engineering, and educational aspects of these systems. Key Functions and Expected Performance: Development: 40% • Assist with modeling and analysis of discipline-specific engineering problems. • Design, develop, and maintain web-based applications, APIs, and interfaces supporting research and project goals. • Assist with cloud development, deployment, and integration of AI-driven and data intensive applications. • Contribute to the development and maintenance of discipline-specific software systems and engineering tools. • Perform engineering and software design, implementation, testing, analysis, maintenance, or experimentation as directed. Project Management: 30% • Prepare high-quality technical documentation for project deliverables, including software, web systems, and APIs. • Maintain expertise in emerging technologies and modern web frameworks relevant to project goals. • Collaborate effectively with team members using version control systems and collaborative development platforms (e.g., GitHub). • Recommend, implement, and adhere to technical standards and best practices, including secure coding and responsive web design principles. Collaboration and Communication: 30% • Provide technical input for evaluating project direction and progress. • Create and deliver progress reports and presentations to project staff and stakeholders. • Share research findings, development processes, and technical knowledge with the Principal Investigator and research team. Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Principal Investigator. Education and Certifications: A Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related engineering discipline is necessary. Experience and Skills: The following skills are necessary: • Practical knowledge of programming languages such as Python, Julia, MATLAB, or similar languages. • Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP). • Experience with Docker. • Proficiency in software system development, modeling, and systems engineering. • Ability to design, implement, test, document, and maintain both backend and frontend software (React, FastAPI, Flask, Node.js). • Familiarity with deploying and interacting with databases (MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Redis). • Experience with modern software development environments (e.g., VS Code), version control (Git), and CI/CD pipelines. • Ability to adapt quickly in high-paced research environments with evolving goals. • Experience working in teams of varying sizes (small to large research or development projects). The following skills are preferred: • Experience with research activities aligned with the Institute’s focus areas. • Experience with AI (machine learning and planning) technologies. • Experience with optimization theory and methods • Knowledge of model-based engineering principles and software architecture design. • Strong communication skills for working with researchers, graduate students, and stakeholders. • Ability to produce high-quality technical documentation for web-based and software deliverables.