Research Assistant Professor, Digital Engineering & Autonomous Systems

Department: Col of Engineering and Computing

Classification: 12-month Research Faculty

Job Category: Research Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa
sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and
experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The C5I Center at George Mason University conducts advanced
research in systems engineering, digital engineering, model-based
systems engineering (MBSE), digital twins, and autonomous systems
to support innovation, validation, and lifecycle management of
complex engineered systems. The Center advances interdisciplinary
research, education, and technology transition for government,
industry, and academic partners.

About the Position:

The Research Assistant Professor, Digital Engineering &
Autonomous Systems conducts advanced research in digital
engineering, MBSE, digital twins, autonomous systems, and control
systems. Designs and validates digital twin architectures, develops
lifecycle-oriented system models, performs trade studies, supports
research publications, and contributes to the development of
innovative solutions for complex engineered systems.

Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements digital twin and MBSE frameworks for

autonomous and complex engineered systems;

• Conducts research, modeling, simulation, and validation of

autonomous systems and control architectures;

• Designs, integrates, and evaluates physical and virtual test

environments for system-level experimentation;

• Mentors graduate students, supports project coordination, and

collaborates with interdisciplinary research teams;

• Prepares technical reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and

conference publications, and presents research findings; and

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in a related field;
• Experience conducting advanced research in autonomous systems,

robotics, control systems, or digital engineering;

• Experience with modeling, simulation, experimentation, and

validation of complex systems;

• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals and

conferences;

• Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), systems

architecture, and lifecycle management principles;

• Knowledge of digital twin technologies and complex systems

modeling;

• Knowledge of control theory, robotics, autonomous systems, and

multi-agent systems;

• Skill in simulation, analysis, verification, and validation of

engineered systems;

• Skill in conducting independent scientific research and

developing innovative technical solutions;

• Ability to perform system-level trade studies and technical

evaluations;

• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts through

publications, presentations, and reports;

• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary

teams and mentor students; and

• Must be a United States person (per the requirements of the

contract, e.g., U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or
refugee).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with digital twin development;
• Experience with MBSE tools and methodologies;
• Experience mentoring graduate students and leading

collaborative research efforts;

• Experience securing or supporting funded research

projects;

• Knowledge of digital engineering methodologies and digital

thread concepts;

• Knowledge of systems engineering standards and lifecycle

assurance methods;

• Skill in autonomous ground or aerial vehicle development and

testing; and

• Ability to develop and manage research projects involving

government, academic, and industry stakeholders.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the
Research Assistant Professor: Digital Engineering &
Autonomous Systems at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online
application to include three professional references with contact
information; and upload a cover letter, CV, and research statement
for review.

Posting Open Date: November 2, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: December 11, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

A Force for Innovation in the Heart of Northern Virginia's
Technology Corridor

About the College:

The College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) at George Mason
University is a fast-growing force for innovation in research and
education. Ranked nationally in the top 100 in both undergraduate
and graduate education, the CEC has more than 11,000 students in
fall 2025. The college has 34 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral
degree programs including several first-in-the-nation offerings. Of
its 326 instructional faculty, 100 are tenured, 64 are
tenure-track, 100 are term faculty, and 62 are research faculty. As
part of a nationally ranked research university, CEC research teams
expended $83.7 million in sponsored research awards in the past
year and had projects with over $66.8 million in awards. The
college stands out for its leading research in areas such as
artificial intelligence, data analytics engineering, cybersecurity
engineering, biomedical imaging and devices, healthcare, autonomous
systems, 5G/Next G communications, systems architectures,
computational biomedicine, advanced materials and manufacturing,
sustainable infrastructure, and more. The college encourages and
supports multidisciplinary research and provides ample
opportunities for faculty to work with other disciplines.

About the University and the Region:

George Mason University is the largest and most diverse public
research university in Virginia, with an enrollment of more than
40,000 students studying in over 200 degree programs. Mason is an
innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction
in a range of academic fields. It was classified as an R1 research
institution in 2016 by the Carnegie Classifications of Institutes
of Higher Education. The university has campuses in Fairfax,
Arlington, and Prince William County. Its proximity to Washington,
D.C. provides unmatched geographical access to federal agencies and
national laboratories. Northern Virginia is also home to one of the
largest concentrations of high-tech firms in the nation, providing
excellent opportunities for interaction with industry. The region
is consistently rated as being among the best places to live in the
country and has an outstanding local public school system.

About the Future:

In conjunction with Amazon’s decision to establish a second
headquarters in Northern Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia
announced a multi-year plan to invest in the growth of degree
programs in computing. As a result, George Mason has committed to
accelerating its plans to grow its capacity in computing and
high-tech fields. Among the university’s exciting initiatives are
the launch of the Institute for Digital Innovation—a university
think tank and incubator to serve the digital economy—and the
expansion of Mason Square home to its Arlington facilities. In
2025, Fuse, a new 355,000 square foot building, opened to students,
faculty, and research teams. This net-zero facility will house the
Institute for Digital Innovation, state-of-the-art classrooms,
labs, and collaborative spaces. It will also include retail space,
and leasing opportunities for local businesses. These initiatives
reflect hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment by George
Mason that will rapidly elevate the university’s already leading
national position in computing and related areas.

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research
university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous
world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest
and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering
degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level,
along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for
students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We
believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing
our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and
we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of
origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its
community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or
veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at
http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/