The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) has a mission to advance space-related sciences and exploration through innovative research, technology, and education programs that involve universities, governments, and the private sector for the benefit of humanity. Supporting that mission, the USRA Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science (RIACS) supports multiple NASA teams in the research, development and operation of artificial intelligence and data science solutions using remote sensing data, including the NASA Interagency Implementation and Advanced Concepts Team (IMPACT) team at NASA’s Marshall Spaceflight Center (MSFC). **Position Summary:** Principal Engineer will lead research, development and operation of software solutions supporting management of remote sensing satellite data and machine learning workflows that utilize the data. Principal Engineer will serve in the role of Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, or Project Lead for one or more significant projects leading the work of other project team members. Principal Engineer may also be involved with development of proposals for new collaborations involving both academia and industry, for joint public-private initiatives to address key national challenges. **Essential Duties/Responsibilities:** + Satisfy USRA's non-profit mission by making a distinctive impact through scientific and technical accomplishments in the assigned projects. 1. Plan, schedule, and conduct activities in all phases of one or more significant research projects, as a Senior Project Engineer/Technologist, Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, or Project Lead. 2. Provide technical leadership in competency area, interacting with others to create and/or apply new theories, techniques, and/or inventions. 3. Advise USRA management, government agencies, and professional associations on new trends in the field of expertise, technology, and future directions. 4. Prepare presentations and reports as required, and present results at conferences and publish papers as appropriate. 5. Expand awareness of the group’s research results and capabilities through participation in relevant research communities, professional societies, and industry associations. 6. Engage academic, industrial, and government research communities in collaborative research and development through activities such as seminars and other talks, workshops, and conferences. 7. Coordinate activities of project personnel, with possible supervisory responsibility. 8. Act as a mentor for student interns involved in research project(s) as needed. + Act safely, ethically and in compliance with all laws and regulations and USRA policies and procedures including: 1. Ensure the protection of intellectual property including submitting new technology disclosures and supporting patent applications. 2. Ensure export control compliance related to ITAR/EAR regulations. 3. Ensure compliance with all policies such as for timesheets and travel. 4. Complete all trainings as scheduled. + Other job-related duties as assigned (e.g., maintain an awareness of funding opportunities, and support and/or lead proposal activities as approved). **Required Qualifications** **Education:** + M.S. degree in Computer Science or related discipline **Skills** 1. Excellent software engineering and software project management experience including familiarity with various software platforms and frameworks. 2. Requires familiarity with efficient data management techniques applied to data with large volume, high velocity, high variability and changing definitions. 3. Be familiar with the state-of-the-art in data management of remote sensing data for machine learning workflows, and able to provide assessments of alternative approaches. 4. Formulate and develop new methods or modifications of existing methods for target problems to advance to the state-of-the-art. 5. Ensure transparency to stakeholders. **Desired Experience:** + Twenty years of experience with computer science/software engineering projects. + Recognized as an authority in the field both inside and outside of USRA. + Experience giving talks at relevant conferences and/or government, industry and academic institutions. **Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:** + Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. + Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinates work of others, and meets multiple deadlines. + Ability to write technical reports and peer reviewed publications. + Ability to communicate through conference presentations, seminars and other forums. + Ability to propose credible and innovative research projects, develop the necessary skills to perform the work, and carry out the research, providing the required reporting to the granting agency in a timely fashion. + Ability to interpret USRA and Federal Policies and Procedures necessary to function in a scientific research environment that is enabled through U.S. Government funds. + Advanced experimental and analytical skills. + Model USRA’s core values: 1. Passion (for science, technology and education); 2. Partnerships (with universities, governments, and the private sector); and 3. Professionalism (through excellence, accountability, and respect for others). **Working Conditions** **:** This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. Keyboarding for large time spans each day will be a significant part of this position. This is largely a sedentary role. **Travel** **:** Employee must be willing and able to travel. Position may require domestic and international business travel.