Careers at Virginia Tech

There are jobs. Then there are careers that foster you to be a force for good in the world. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) is a world-leading safety research center working with car companies, suppliers, and government agencies to bring about the safe development and deployment of automated vehicles on our roadways. Transportation is under transformation, so every day we are approaching problems differently to make a difference in the world (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4VWviw5JA).

VTTI seeks qualified, ambitious research engineers interested in answering complex questions surrounding automated vehicle and connected transportation systems. The candidate should be an experienced engineer capable of working independently and with multidisciplinary teams to improve transportation safety through cutting-edge research and development of emerging technologies in smart cities, connected vehicles, automated vehicles, and transportation safety applications. This engineer will conduct hardware and software, development, integration, testing, evaluation, and documentation in support of early-stage implementation programs. This engineer will work closely with internal project teams, sponsors, and external stakeholders.

Performance at this level requires experience in a professional position, demonstrated leadership, and a graduate level education (or lesser degree with significant experience). This position researches technical solutions, assesses applicability to a project need, integrates the solution, develops application capability, and evaluates resulting performance. This position applies engineering principles, procedures, and criteria, using practical judgment in making selections and modifications with some supervision. Assignments will have project related objectives and require the investigation of a variety of variables. Performs work developing firmware and software for a variety of technologies on multiple platforms. Consults with researchers and sponsors to develop and implement technology deployment strategies.

Duties and responsibilities: Assist in technology selection, development, integration, and deployment of systems and components as needed. Educates sponsors on technologies and implementation issues through direct interaction in meetings, presentations, and documentation. Performs work that involves developing innovative and creative solutions to complex engineering challenges with the goal of advancing the field of transportation efficiency and safety. This position will work independently or on small teams on projects as assigned. Supports the research team and sponsors to define project goals and technical specifications; creates/refines project plans and milestones; and integrates these goals, specification and timeline to achieve the overall objective. Supports the research team by contributing to proposals, presentations, and written reports during project execution. Actively participates in the pursuit of new projects by demonstrating facility capabilities, summarizing prior projects and contributing to written publications.

Directions given and received: Independently performs most assignments with instructions on global objectives and general results expected with minimal supervision. Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. May work with technicians, graduate research assistants and others who assist in specific assignments.

- M.S. degree in a technical field (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Computer Engineering), or bachelor's degree with significant related professional experience.

Demonstrated experience with:
- Integrating various computer components, sensors, and software.
- Working with wireless communications technologies.
- Working with embedded processors such as Arduino, ARM64, and 32-bit microcontrollers.

Proficiency in one or more of the following languages:
- Robotic Operating System (ROS).
- Programming firmware and software using C/C++/Python.
- Linux OS, RTOS, and Network Protocols.

- Must have a strong work ethic and be able to work independently with some supervision. Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Must be willing to travel to conduct field support at deployment sites primarily within the Commonwealth of Virginia (approximately 10-25% of time depending on project needs).

- Experience designing hardware and software for embedded system.
- Experience in or familiarity with automated vehicles, connected vehicles, smart cities technologies and vehicle electronics.
- Experience working in an Agile development environment.

Restricted

Starting rate of $70,000; commensurate with experience

2/18/2025

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.