Software Engineer

About The Lab Group:
The Computer Networking, Mobile, and AI Research lab led by Prof. Zhi-Li Zhang and Dr. Eman Ramadan, our lab at the University of Minnesota, focuses on advancing the frontiers of computer and communication networks. We aim to transform today's best-effort Internet into a highly reliable, available, and secure infrastructure to support diverse communication needs and emerging applications.

We tackle a wide range of research challenges in areas such as:
5G and NextG Networks: Performance measurement, analysis, and cross-layer design to optimize next-generation systems.
Emerging Applications: Pioneering work on volumetric video streaming, autonomous vehicles, Digital Twins, and beyond.
Network Architecture Design: Innovating scalable and resilient architectures to meet the demands of a dynamic digital landscape.
Our approach combines formal modeling and analysis with rigorous experimentation, implementation, and real-world evaluation.

About the Job

This position serves as the primary software and hardware architect and lead developer for a system designed to monitor Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) communications and proactively detect, analyze, and respond to potential security threats. The role involves designing and implementing the end-to-end software architecture, including real-time data ingestion, protocol parsing, anomaly detection, and alert generation components. The system continuously analyzes safety messages and control data exchanges between vehicles, roadside units, and infrastructure to identify malicious behavior (e.g., spoofing, replay, Sybil attacks), abnormal communication patterns, and inconsistencies caused by faulty or compromised sensors.

In addition to threat detection, the position is responsible for developing scalable backend services, integrating machine learning-based detection mechanisms, ensuring low-latency processing suitable for safety-critical environments, and building dashboards or interfaces for visualization and incident response. The role also includes validating the system through controlled experiments, simulation, and field testing, ensuring robustness, reliability, and compliance with relevant C-V2X and ITS communication standards.

The approach is agile and collaborative. The ability to learn new technologies and work with a team of students is essential.

Duties/Responsibilities:

(45%) Research and data analysis
- develop novel ideas for solving specific problems in research projects
- troubleshoot and resolve challenges around research methods, as needed
- analyze experimental data from projects

(45%) Software implementation and dissemination
- implement and test existing methods of research software
- troubleshoot and resolve challenges around software implementation, as needed
- including setting up experiments, collecting and analyzing data, troubleshooting challenges, and assisting graduate and undergraduate students on the project, as needed.

(10%) Lab citizen
- attend weekly lab meetings
- collaborate with other lab members

Required Qualifications:

BA/BS degree in Computer Science & Engineering or closely related field or education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree or some post-baccalaureate coursework in a technical field (science or engineering)
At least one year of computer programming skills, or the equivalent.
Programming experience in (Python, C/C++, Java, Kotlin)
Familiar with C-V2X protocols.
Knowledgeable about physical-layer structure and RF transmitters
Research experience in computer networks, mobile networks, or related fields.
Experience in mobile web development.
Experience with data analysis frameworks and developing on cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, or IBM Cloud.
Ability to come up with different designs and evaluate their trade-offs.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Patience, dedication, flexibility, and enthusiasm.
Apply knowledge and skill to a recurring task or activity with emphasis typically on precision and timeliness of execution.

The Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Minnesota has been on the cutting-edge for its education, research, and outreach for decades. The legacy continues as the Department continues to grow and expand its curriculum, research, and outreach.

Pay Range: $31.00 to $32.00 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. Please include a cover letter elaborating on your relevant experience when you apply.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).