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Engineering Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$70K - $158K/yr

You will conduct research, development and analysis of engineering data, extracting and compiling ... As a professional engineer or scientist performing the comprehensive testing, troubleshooting, and ...

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Engineering Scientist information

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$40.5K

$98.8K

$156.5K

How much do engineering scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering scientist in the United States is $98,759.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Engineering Scientists face when working on interdisciplinary projects?

Engineering Scientists often collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds, such as chemists, physicists, and software engineers. A common challenge is effectively communicating complex technical concepts across disciplines, ensuring everyone is aligned on project goals and methodologies. Adapting to different work styles and integrating varied scientific approaches can also require flexibility and strong problem-solving skills. Successful Engineering Scientists are proactive in fostering teamwork and are open to learning from other fields to drive innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Engineering Scientist vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEngineering ScientistMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering or science; often advanced degreesBachelor's or higher in mechanical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academiaManufacturing, design firms, construction sites
Industry UsageResearch, development, scientific innovationProduct design, manufacturing, systems development

Engineering Scientists focus on research and development, often working in labs to innovate and explore new scientific principles. Mechanical Engineers typically design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems in industry settings. While both roles require engineering credentials, Engineering Scientists lean more toward research, whereas Mechanical Engineers focus on practical application and product development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Engineering Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineering Scientist, you need a strong background in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software, data analysis tools, and laboratory instrumentation is often required, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies enable Engineering Scientists to develop innovative solutions, collaborate across disciplines, and drive advancements in technology and research.

What does an Engineering Scientist do?

An Engineering Scientist applies scientific principles and engineering techniques to solve complex problems, conduct research, and develop new technologies. They often work at the intersection of science and engineering, using their expertise to design experiments, analyze data, and improve processes or products. Their work can span a variety of fields, including materials science, biomedical engineering, environmental engineering, and more. Engineering Scientists typically collaborate with other engineers and scientists to innovate and find practical solutions to real-world challenges.
More about Engineering Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Engineering Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Engineering Scientist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Engineering Scientist jobs? The top employers for Engineering Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Engineering Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Engineering Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Engineering Scientist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,759 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Robotics and Autonomous System Designer Engineering Scientist

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

$104K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Title:
Robotics and Autonomous System Designer Engineering Scientist
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Hiring Department:
Applied Research Laboratories
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
Exempt
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Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue
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Location:
PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS
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Job Details:
Purpose
As a Robotics and Autonomous System Designer you will design, implement and test algorithms for autonomous decision making on Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) for the Advanced Technology Laboratory (ATL), at ARL.
Responsibilities
  • Identify, research, and develop autonomy algorithms that use sonar data operating in complex environments to avoid obstacles, aid multi-agent decision making and dynamically replan current tasking and sorties.
  • Design target recognition algorithms for finding objects in the environment and increasing situational awareness.
  • Conduct data analysis across a range of acoustic systems, identifying anomalies and opportunities for improvement.
  • Local in-water testing of generated algorithms, behaviors and capabilities.
  • Plan and coordinate field tests for algorithms in ocean, littoral, harbor and riverine environments.
  • Document work for knowledge transfer, consistency and efficiency.
  • Travel in support of data collection, system evaluation testing and project meetings.
  • External Coordination with project performers from other organizations.
  • Develop system concepts and proposals as well as coordinate project execution with development staff.
  • Other related functions as needed.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science, Math or other Applied Sciences.
  • Three years of related experience.
  • Demonstrated ability related to the development and application of robotics, autonomy or machine learning algorithms.
  • Demonstrated ability with implementation and testing of data processing algorithms.
  • Demonstrated ability using object-oriented programming languages.
  • Demonstrated ability with analysis software packages such as Matlab or Python and general programming languages such as C/C++ or Python.
  • Familiarity with Unix/Linux operating systems.

Applicant must be highly organized, have excellent attention to detail, and possess sound scientific judgment. The position will require effective management of their own time with the ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously. Regular and punctual attendance in the workplace is required.
US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in Engineering, Math or Applied Sciences with emphasis in autonomous vehicles, robotics, learning systems, data analysis.
  • Three or more years of related experience.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0.

General Notes
An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.
Please mark "yes" on the application question that asks if additional materials are required. Failure to attach all additional materials listed below may result in a delay in application processing.
Visit our website (www.arlut.utexas.edu) for additional information about Applied Research Laboratories.
UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays
Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.
Salary Range
$104,000-$174,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
  • Standard office conditions
  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
  • Use of manual dexterity
  • Some weekend, evening and holiday work
  • Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Required Materials
  • Resume/CV
  • 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
  • Letter of interest
  • Unofficial college transcripts

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
  • E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

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