Junior Systems Engineer

Description

Job Description:

Leidos is seeking a Systems R&D Engineer to join our team! The R&D Engineer will be a key part of the Leidos team supporting Connected Automated Vehicle (CAV) and Cooperative Driving Automation (CDA) research across the US through our work at the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Saxton Laboratory (STOL), located at the Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, VA. Our team advances CAV technology for the USDOT by developing, testing, and supporting the adoption of technologies associated with vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications as well as CDA.

This is an opportunity for someone who is seeking a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment working directly with state and local DOTs as well as technology vendors in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry. A strong candidate will have the following: a background in electrical, computer, systems, civil, automotive, or other relevant technical discipline; work history or education that demonstrates ability to troubleshoot computers, code software, manage computer networks, and understand electronic/electromechanical systems; the ability to learn and clearly communicate complex technical matters to a variety of audiences. The ideal candidate will arrive with a working knowledge of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications and networking, including related hardware/software configurations and applicable IEEE and SAE standards. The work environment benefits from a collaborative effort across a growing interdisciplinary team. In addition to the laboratory and office environment, occasional travel for customer support, demonstrations, field work, and conference attendance may be required. The candidate will receive advanced vehicle driver training to safely operate our fleet of research vehicles.

The primary responsibility of this role as an R&D Engineer in the Saxton Laboratory is assisting in the development, integration, and testing of new technologies for ITS. Additionally, this position will assist with developing and communicating technical solutions for our CAV Support Services (CAVSS) equipment loan program and technical help desk where Leidos arrange no-cost equipment loans (e.g., on-board units, roadside units, and networking devices for CAVs) to stakeholders and provide technical assistance in configuring and testing these systems. In addition, our help desk promotes and provides technical assistance for stakeholders deploying other USDOT research and tools (many developed by our team), including an open-source software platform for Vehicle-to-Everything communications (V2X Hub), CAV message creator tools, and the Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx) specification. The CAVSS project receives requests for equipment loans and technical support from diverse stakeholders. This role will be responsible for responding with technical support, following up as needed, and coordinating with our team of engineers and technicians to track support. As the technical point of contact for the CAVSS, the Engineer will be required to learn and stay up to date with our lab's research products, CAV equipment, and stakeholder research needs.

** THIS IS AN ONSITE / IN-PERSON POSITION LOCATED IN MCLEAN, VIRGINIA** (NO TELEWORK OR REMOTE OPTIONS)

Duties shall include:

• Perform engineering duties at the systems level on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and software required for traffic signals control, traffic management systems, and vehicle guidance systems. This is a hands-on role, working directly with the components, systems, and suppliers to develop new and exciting transportation technologies.

• Integrate electrical and computer prototypes to meet research and stakeholder needs.

• Conduct and/or supervise the prototyping, assembly, and configuration of electrical and networking equipment and components for research and early-adopter needs.

• Educate stakeholders and early adopters on technologies, capabilities, best-practices, and FHWA resources that are relevant to their success in deploying CAV technologies.

• Represent Leidos and FHWA in collaboration with diverse stakeholders on technical discussions and in meetings.

• Analyze complex CAV early-adopter needs and respond promptly to requests for technical and engineering assistance.

• Perform market research and cost-benefit analysis to identify and procure emerging and state-of-the-art products for the CAVSS Loan Equipment Inventory.

• Follow and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to manage the CAVSS Loan Equipment Inventory.

• Stay up to date with latest technology in the CAV industry by attending seminars, conferences and independent research.

• Interface with researchers, Government technical and business personnel, and other users of the Saxton Laboratory and associated testbeds. May include facilitating connections and hosting meetings.

• Assist in various phases of research projects across the breadth of transportation science.

• Support the operations and maintenance of the lab facility, equipment, and associated testbeds.

• Interface with Government technical and business personnel.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Systems, Computer, Civil, Automotive or other scientific or engineering discipline. OR directly related associate degree with 2+ years’ related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Ability to test and troubleshoot complex power and communication systems.

• Familiarity with intelligent transportation systems and communications.

• Software development tools and methods, including one or more commonly used programming languages, such as C++, Python, JAVA, and Bash scripting

• Time management and ability to balance priorities and ensure the products and services are delivered on-time and within budget.

• Desire to independently learn about new technologies, hardware, and software (with guidance and technical support from the team as needed) - and instruct external stakeholders on how to use them.

• Must communicate clearly in English, both orally and in writing along with a good understanding of industry specific terminology (authorship and publication of technical papers and presentations is a plus).

Desired Qualifications:

• Traffic signal controller operations, configuration, communications, and Transportation Management Center operations.

• Use of spectrum and network analyzers and other RF test equipment.

• Geospatial positioning (e.g., GPS) and position correction (e.g., RTCM)

• Computer network engineering.

• Wireless communication standards like IEEE 802.11p and 3GPP Release 15 or greater, supporting technologies like DSRC, C-V2X, Wi-Fi, and 5G.

• Connected vehicle or transportation communication standards (e.g., SAE J2735, NTCIP 1202, etc.) preferred.

Other Requirements

• Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

• Must be a good team player and be able to give and take constructive feedback.

• Must be prompt, schedule-conscious, and able to focus on the work at hand.

• Must be coachable and open to professional improvement.

• Valid driver’s license and suitability to operate a motor vehicle.

Pay Range: $50,700 - $78,000 - $105,300

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.