Temporary Research Engineer

Department: Mechanical Engineering/0-2105-000

College/Division: College of Engineering

Type: Full-Time

Salary Plan: Temporary

Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $30.19/hr. - $39/hr. 

Position Summary:

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is seeking highly motivated temporary research engineer to join the Resilient, autonomous, networked, control systems (RANCS) Lab, where they focus on safety and security of connected and autonomous. One of their main applications is on developing, testing and verifying connected and autonomous vehicles under cyber-attacks and conduct experimental analysis. More information about the lab can be located at www.rancs.lab.com 

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the lab's Principal Investigator (Dr. Arman Sargolzaei) to further the lab's ongoing projects. This role offers a unique career development opportunity by involving the candidate in all research and development activities.

The successful candidate must excel in programming (C/C++) and need to be familiar with connected and autonomous vehicles and Autoware software and ADAS. The successful candidate will assist Dr. Arman Sargolzaei and lab's research assistants to ensure the delivery of the lab's sponsored projects.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the experimental efforts to test and verify the safety, security, and efficiency of connected and autonomous vehicles. The candidate should have experience in working with sensors such as LIDAR, RADAR, and C-V2X communication
• Autonomous vehicles software stack development and integration.
• Experimental analysis and testing of connected and autonomous vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications:

• This position requires a Master’s degree in Engineering; or a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and two years of engineering or technical engineering experience. Work experience may be substituted for the Master’s degree but may not be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in robotics/mechatronics
• A Bachelor degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or computer science 
• Strong background in development of connected and autonomous vehicles
• Strong background in computer programming (the successful candidate must be very experienced in C/C++)
• Being experienced in scientific writing

This job is subject to Foreign Influence Screening: During the 2021 Florida legislative session, House Bill 7017 ("HB 7017") was passed and later signed into law by Governor DeSantis. The new law modifies a variety of Florida Statutes to address concerns regarding improper foreign influence. With regard to employment at major research institutions like the University of South Florida, the new law requires thorough review of certain applicants for positions involving research.

 

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide.