ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - DARWIN Software Development
Southwest Research Institute
San Antonio, TX
Who We Are:
The DARWIN® software development team is a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary group within Southwest Research Institute dedicated to advancing safety through the development, validation, and global distribution of the DARWIN software platform. Trusted by leading commercial and defense organizations worldwide, DARWIN supports the analysis and certification of aircraft and other life-critical systems, helping ensure the highest standards of reliability, performance, and safety.
Objectives of this Role:
- Serve as a technical partner to customers, ensuring successful adoption, effective use, and long-term satisfaction with the DARWIN software platform.
- Support continuous improvement of DARWIN by translating user feedback, support cases, and testing results into actionable input for the development team.
- Develop strong expertise in fracture mechanics, fatigue, and probabilistic methods to effectively support users and contribute to product validation and usability.
- Contribute to software quality and reliability through structured testing, validation, and documentation efforts.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with commercial and government clients, supporting product reputation and long-term program growth.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
- Serve as a primary client contact, lead and organize virtual meetings, manage ongoing customer accounts, and provide guidance on software features, best practices, and core engineering concepts to support successful software adoption and long-term customer satisfaction.
- Receive and triage client questions, bug reports, and technical issues; perform initial diagnostics, reproduce problems when possible, and coordinate closely with development teams to ensure timely resolution and continuous product improvement.
- Plan, design, and execute formal software testing using established methodologies, develop and maintain test plans, analyze computational results, and verify compliance with stakeholder requirements, quality standards, and engineering principles.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gather, clarify, and refine detailed software requirements, translating business and technical needs into functional specifications and supporting conceptual and technical design efforts.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation and support research initiatives, including user guides, release notes, theory explanations, data analysis, and contributions to high-quality journal and conference publications.
Requirements:
- Requires a Bachelors or a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, Computational Engineering, Systems Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or a related engineering or computational discipline.
- 0-5 years: Strong foundation in engineering principles with the ability to learn and apply fracture mechanics and probabilistic concepts in the context of engineering software testing, validation, and user support.
- 0-5 years: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment.
- 0-5 years: Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams while independently resolving technical issues and proactively seeking solutions.
- 0-5 years: Strong interest in software-based engineering tools, with experience or aptitude in scripting, programming, operating systems, software testing, or documentation.
- A valid/clear driver's license is required.
About the Company
Southwest Research Institute
We are R&D problem solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Our multidisciplinary nature allows us to rapidly assemble diverse teams to tackle problems from multiple directions. We push the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety. Operating as a nonprofit since our 1947 inception, we work in the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of mankind. At SwRI, we tirelessly pursue innovation and excellence in science and technology for the betterment of humankind. We support work on nearly 4,000 client projects at any given time through a wide range of technical competencies with 2,574 staff members in nine technical divisions. Client services include, but are not limited to, Automotive and Transportation, Biomedical & Health, Chemistry & Materials, Computers and Electronics, Defense & Security, Earth & Space, Energy & Environment, and Manufacturing & Construction.
TECHNICAL DIVISIONS
- Applied Physics-Developing advanced electronic and microelectronic devices, power supplies, voice and data communication systems, robot test services, and payloads
- Applied Power-Using physical science research and applied engineering to produce sensors, instruments, and hardware used worldwide.
- Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses-Resolving technical and regulatory issues related to a potential geologic repository for spent nuclear fule and high-level radioactive waste.
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering-Performing research and technical services using chemistry and chemical engineering technology.
- Defense and & Intelligence Solutions-Providing advanced direction finding and tracking systems through geolocation system development.
- Fuels and Lubricants Research-Performing fuels and lubricants research activities to meet regulatory and competitive goals.
- Intelligent Systems-Providing engineering services in resaerch and development of complex systems and equipment.
- Mechanical Engineering-Improving safety, reliability, efficiency and life of new or existing mechanical components or systems.
- Powertrain Engineering-Designing and developing vehicle and engine components to achieve performance and emissions goals.
- Space Science & Engineering-Developing and managing advanced scientific payloads aboard satellites and sounding rockets.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Innovation in science and technology has been a hallmark of Southwest Research Institute since its earliest days. It's no exaggeration to say we are committed to advancing science and applying technology to benefit government, industry, and all humankind. That is our mission. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach allows us to successfully solve clients' most challenging problems. Today, we are a leader among independent, nonprofit research and development organizations. Our staff of 2,574 scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff members continues to accomplish outstanding fundamental and applied engineering and research for clients from diverse segments of government and industry. Adam L. Hamilton, P.E, President and CEO