Assistant In Digital Asset Research / Production Engineer

The Opportunity

The Institute of Simulation and Training (IST) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is seeking applicants for a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure earning, digital asset and engineer-oriented, research position.This is a full-time Contract and Grants (C&G)-based faculty position to support ongoing federally sponsored research in a long-standing and agile R&D lab. For information about the Institute for Simulation and Training and the Orlando area, see http://www.ist.ucf.edu.

We are searching for an Assistant In Digital Asset Research and Production Engineer with expertise in computer visualization, 3D modeling, and immersive technologies to support the design, development, and implementation of next-generation visual simulations and intelligent training systems. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team conducting applied research in simulation-based training, modeling, and opportunity-based training systems.

This position requires an experienced researcher who will work both independently and as a team member to design, develop, modify, test, document, and maintain simulation software products.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement 3D environments, frameworks, and prototypes for high-fidelity visual simulations and applications.

• Apply 3D models, advanced character mesh techniques, and physics-based simulation methods to enhance realism and interactivity in diverse domain systems and applications.

• Work with interdisciplinary teams including engineers, cognitive scientists, and domain experts to define research objectives, design experiments, and analyze results.

• Create prototypes and capabilities demonstrators to showcase IST's expertise aligned with trends and opportunities.

• Design and execute hands-on demonstrations and exhibits at strategic events.

• Perform data collection in the form of LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other advanced techniques to evolve advanced terrestrial-based synthetic environments.

Minimum Qualifications:

A master's degree from an accredited institution in a field related to modeling and simulation and two years of related professional experience or a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a field related to modeling and simulation and five years of related professional experience.

Significant experience or education required in at least three of the following areas:

• 3D modeling tools such as Adobe Substance, Creator, Blender, or 3D Studio Max

• AutoDesk software systems

• Geospatial algorithms

• 3D game engine modeling formats

• Character and model rigging using modern game engine approaches (Unity, Unreal)

• Modern terrain generation software

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience or education is preferred in any of the following areas:

• OpenFlight file format and visual database correlation.

• NIMA data processing

• Cartography

• 3D Model/Character creation for modern game engines.

• Digital twin creation

• Data acquisition through ground-based LiDAR-based systems such as Leica or Faro systems

• Intrinsic game engine API scripting capabilities such as C# and/or Python

• Familiarity with understanding of producing correlated geospecific terrain

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload the following:

• A curriculum vitae.

• A letter of interest describing qualifications for the position, such as research agenda and teaching experience/interest.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Dean Reed at Dean.Reed@ucf.edu.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

Sponsorship for employment-based visas will only be considered under exceptional circumstances and is not guaranteed. Preference will be given to candidates who are currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States.

Position requires U.S citizenship for a University-sponsored application for a security clearance. This position is funded by contract and grant sources and is contingent upon available funding.

Job Close Date:

Open until filled.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you'll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You'll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you'll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you'll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks!UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program.

• Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.

• Retirement savings options.

• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions.

• Education assistance.

• Flexible work environment.

• And more...For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guideclick here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF's expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

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As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.