Job Purpose:

A robotics engineer develops the hardware and/or software that enables electro-mechanical systems to perform a series of tasks with little or no human involvement.
The robotics engineer can develop the mechanical mechanisms that form the robot, integrate sensors such as cameras and LIDAR systems into the system, or develop the algorithms to allow the robot or autonomous system to sense its environment, plan its actions, and then execute the plan.
This position contributes to the fundamental and applied understanding of robotic and autonomous systems.
The robotics researcher develops the advanced autonomous planning, coordination, perception and control algorithms that enable a mobile robot or team of robots to operate in dynamic environments.
The engineer can also interface with perceptual, actuation, communication and other systems to enable the robot to sense, plan actions, coordinate actions according to mission plans and execute the plans.
This position may incorporate a fundamental understanding of robotic control and path planning as well as an applied understanding of robotics systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform signal processing tasks with more limited direction from supervisor.
• Develop expertise in specific areas.
• Contribute to white papers and proposals with supporting background or data analysis.
• Contribute to technical reports/presentations of projects, journal articles, and conference presentations.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform autonomous robotic algorithm development and validation tasks with limited guidance.
• Perform rapid simulation development, prototyping, and field-testing.
• Generate research reports, publication, proposals, and briefs for internal and external customers.
• Serve as technical lead on programs, driving the development and implementation of novel engineering solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior research faculty.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program relevant to this position will be considered. The candidate must have a graduation date of no later than August 2026.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with state-of-the-art algorithms on real-world mobile robot systems, including field test experimentation or robotic competitions.
• Experience with C++, Python, ROS, Linux, and/or robotic simulation engines like Gazebo and SCRIMMAGE.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active Secret Clearance.
• A strong history of publication or hardware-implementation of advanced algorithms demonstrating the ability to perform independent research is desired.
• Experience with fast prototyping in Python and C++ for real-time operation on a robot in real-world environments.
• Experience in one or more of the following is desirable:
  • Multi-robot teams.
  • Path planning and navigation.
  • Behavior-based robotics.
  • Vehicle Control and State Estimation.
  • Machine learning for robotic control.

Travel Requirements:

• 10% - 25% travel.

Education and Length of Experience:

• 2-5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or any related field.
• 0-3 years of related experience with a Masters’ degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or any related field.
• 0 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or any related field.

Clearance Type Required:

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Skills and Certifications [note: bold skills and certification are required]
C/C++
Python
Gazebo and SCRIMMAGE

Security Clearance Required: No
Visa Candidate Considered: No
Compensation:
Base Salary - USD $140,000 to $150,000