Senior Research Associate: Aerospace Engineering Autonomy

OUR STATEMENT

The San Jose State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can be their authentic self and contribute to their career growth. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization, and we strive to reflect the community we serve in all aspects of our workforce.

GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION

The Psychology Department at San Jose State University collaborates with the U.S. Army’s Technology Development Directorate (TDD) and NASA Ames Research Center on autonomous flight technologies for manned and unmanned rotorcraft. This is a journeyman‑level engineering position focused on research and development of autonomy algorithms and flight control systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop advanced autonomy algorithms applicable to fully autonomous and optionally piloted flight.

• Lead flight test experiments to enhance technology readiness level of autonomy algorithms.

• Design terrain‑aware helicopter motion planning and perception techniques.

• Fuse terrain sensor data accounting for atmospheric effects and sensor degradation.

• Research real‑time machine‑learning segmentation of landing surfaces.

• Incorporate dynamic envelope changes into autonomous motion planning.

• Learn and apply the Army’s Mission Adaptive Autonomy (MAA) software and related flight‑control tools (CIFER, CONDUIT, STITCH, RIPTIDE).

• Attend weekly group meetings and present research updates.

• Communicate results through technical presentations and written reports.

• Other duties as assigned.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

Reports to the Project Director and works daily with Foundation research staff and civil‑service personnel via phone, e‑mail, and in‑person meetings. The position requires onsite work at NASA Ames 3 days per week with telework permitted.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field.

• Background in machine learning, numerical analysis, flight dynamics, control, aircraft simulation, and classical/optimal control.

• Experience in applied research; strong MATLAB, Simulink, Python, and C/C++ skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication.

• Independent research capability and teamwork.

• Knowledge of flight control for fixed/rotary‑wing and UAVs.

• Experience with autonomous UAS waypoint navigation, SLAM, and image recognition.

• Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++ and related design-review practices.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Domestic and international travel required.

• Must meet security qualifications for NASA Ames Research Center.

• U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.

• Use of computer terminal for advanced clerical functions.

• Routine lifting, walking, and carrying of equipment.

BENEFITS

Competitive salary ($160,000‑$200,000 annually) and an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, disability, 403(b) retirement plan, paid holidays, vacation, professional‑development training, and employee discounts.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION & EEO

SJSURF is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. For accommodation requests, contact .

San Jose State University Research Foundation is an EOE M/F/Vet/Disability.

#JLjbffr