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Research Programmer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Job Title Senior Research Engineer I Agency Texas A&M University System Offices Department Bush Combat Development Complex Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Bryan, Texas Job Type ...

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Research Programmer information

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$10.2K

$105.1K

$120.2K

How much do research programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for research programmer in Texas is $105,090.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $120,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research programmer?

Research programmers are professionals who develop software, algorithms, and computational tools to support academic or scientific research projects. They work closely with researchers to design, implement, and optimize code for data analysis, simulations, and experiments. Their role often involves adapting existing software or creating new applications to solve specific research problems, ensuring that the software meets the requirements of the research team. Research programmers may also contribute to writing technical documentation and publishing results.

What is the difference between Research Programmer vs Data Analyst?

AspectResearch ProgrammerData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields; programming skillsBachelor's or Master's in Statistics, Data Science, or related fields; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, tech companiesBusiness, healthcare, finance, or marketing sectors
Employer & Industry UsageResearch projects, academic research, R&D departmentsData interpretation, reporting, and decision support in organizations

Research Programmers focus on developing software and tools for research purposes, often working in academic or research settings. Data Analysts interpret data to provide insights for business decisions. While both roles require strong technical skills, Research Programmers emphasize programming and software development, whereas Data Analysts focus on data interpretation and visualization.

How do research programmers typically collaborate with researchers and other team members during a project?

Research Programmers often work closely with principal investigators, data scientists, and subject matter experts to develop, test, and optimize software solutions tailored to research needs. Collaboration is highly iterative and may involve regular meetings to align on project goals, troubleshoot technical challenges, and adapt code to evolving research requirements. Effective communication and a flexible approach are key, as programmers frequently translate complex research concepts into functional code and may also assist with data analysis or visualization tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Programmer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C++), and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with scientific computing tools, version control systems (like Git), and data analysis platforms is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with research teams and translate complex requirements into code. These skills enable you to develop robust software solutions that advance research goals and ensure project success.

What are popular job titles related to Research Programmer jobs in Texas?

For Research Programmer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Research Programmer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,090 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Thermal Engineer

Southwest Research Institute

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago


Southwest Research Institute rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 73 rated research


Job description

Who We Are:
We are a collaborative, agile team of engineers within Southwest Research Institute dedicated to advancing science and applying technology for the benefit of government and industry. We develop next-generation thermal and fluid systems across data center cooling, energy and power, aerospace, aviation, and defense-delivering objective, high-impact solutions to complex engineering challenges.
Objectives of this Role:
  • Provide engineering support for research projects on thermal systems involving heat transfer and complex fluid phenomena. Topic areas include data center cooling, space thermal management, electronics cooling, HVAC and other energy/water nexus topics.
  • Lead and operate experimental research projects in a laboratory setting.
  • Provide design solutions for thermal management systems and/or fluid systems using analytical and computational approaches.
  • Develop innovative solutions for commercial and government clients on the world's challenges in the energy-water nexus.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
  • Lead bench- and pilot-scale thermal-fluid experiments, including design of flow loops; integration of pumps, heat exchangers, cold plates, chillers, CDUs; installation of temperature/pressure/flow instrumentation; and commissioning of safe, fully integrated test systems.
  • Develop and operate LabVIEW-based data acquisition and control systems; automate test sequences; monitor performance in real time; and conduct data reduction, analysis, visualization, and uncertainty quantification using engineering software.
  • Design and optimize thermal management and fluid systems using first principles, analytical methods, and CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+); validate models with experimental data for data centers, space systems, electronics cooling, HVAC, and energy-water applications.
  • Support multiple concurrent technical projects, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, documentation, and technical/financial performance; prepare test plans and reports; present results to stakeholders and at national/international conferences.
  • Support new business development through networking, customer engagement, conference attendance, and proposal writing.

Requirements:
  • Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or related Engineering degree fields.
  • 0-5 years: Prior experimental research in an academic or professional setting is preferred.
  • Experience in LabVIEW for data acquisition and control is preferred.
  • A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:
Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section.
Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas
Military Friendly: Your military experience may apply to this position
For more information about this division, visit the Mechanical Engineering home page.
For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .
For benefits information at all other locations, click here .
An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.

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