Research Engineer, Institute for Software Integrated Systems

Vanderbilt University is a research institution advancing knowledge and transforming lives. The Research Engineer supports the Institute for Software Integrated Systems by developing, integrating, and maintaining software systems, web applications, engineering tools, and cloud-based AI and data-intensive applications. The role also involves technical documentation, experimentation, collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams, and communication with project stakeholders.

What you'll do:

• 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
• 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
• 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

What they're looking for:

• A Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related engineering discipline is 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)
• Experience with research activities aligned with the Institute's focus areas
• Experience with AI (machine learning and planning) technologies

Benefits:

• Hybrid workplace arrangement