Staff Research Engineer

Description

We develop mission-critical systems for high-altitude balloon platforms operating in dynamic and uncertain environments. A key part of our capability is the research and development of navigation algorithms, autopilot systems, and data-driven insights that enable reliable, autonomous operation. Aerostar, a business unit of TCOM, is seeking a Staff Research Engineer to help lead the advancement of these capabilities.

This role sits at the intersection of applied mathematics, physics, software engineering, and real-world system performance. You will drive the development of algorithms and analytical approaches that improve navigation accuracy, system autonomy, and operational decision-making. This includes work in areas such as state estimation, control systems, optimization, and statistical analysis of flight and simulation data.

As a Staff-level engineer, you will provide technical leadership within the research team—shaping problem approaches, guiding algorithm design, and elevating the rigor and impact of the team’s work. You will partner closely with embedded, software, and systems engineers to ensure research transitions effectively into production systems.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the design and development of navigation, estimation, and autopilot algorithms
• Apply statistical methods and data analysis to understand system behavior and improve performance
• Develop models and simulations to evaluate system performance under varying conditions
• Translate real-world operational challenges into well-defined research problems
• Drive technical direction for algorithm development and analytical approaches
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate research into production systems
• Establish best practices for modeling, simulation, and data analysis
• Review and guide the work of other engineers to improve technical quality and rigor
• Contribute hands-on code in Python to implement, test, and validate algorithms

What We’re Looking For:

You are a deeply technical engineer with strong foundations in mathematics and statistics, and a track record of applying those skills to real-world systems.

You think in terms of models, uncertainty, and system behavior—not just code—and can translate complex problems into tractable analytical approaches.

You have experience developing algorithms (e.g., estimation, control, optimization) and can clearly explain the reasoning behind your approach.

You bring technical leadership through influence—raising the bar for how problems are framed, analyzed, and solved.

You are comfortable working in ambiguity and helping define the path forward for complex, open-ended problems.

You can write Python code to prototype, analyze, and validate your work.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Typically, 8+ years of experience in research, algorithm development, or advanced analytical roles

Preferred Experience:

• Statistical modeling and uncertainty quantification
• Simulation and modeling of dynamic systems
• Time-series analysis and signal processing
• Experience working with real-world flight, sensor, or telemetry data
• Control systems and autopilot design
• Familiarity with transitioning research into production systems

How We Work:

We are not a startup, but we operate with ownership and technical rigor.

We are building serious aerospace systems, and we expect strong engineering discipline.

Strong preference for onsite collaboration. Hybrid may be considered. Remote candidates will not be prioritized.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Physical Requirements: Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and reach. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.
• Working Conditions: Primarily in a standard office environment, with occasional exposure to labs and production areas, including noise, fumes, moving machinery, and varying temperatures.

Benefits:

TCOM offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts/HSAs, EAP, tuition reimbursement, parental leave, paid time off (PTO), and company-paid holidays. Programs and eligibility may vary based on hire date, classification, and schedule.