Robotics Research Engineer I-IV

Job Title

Robotics Research Engineer I-IV

Agency

Texas A&M Engineering

Department

Deputy Director-Ambrose

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Bryan, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Under general supervision, RAD Lab is seeking a Robotics Research  Engineer of whom evaluates, selects, and applies standard engineering research techniques, procedures, and criteria to the development of tests and testing campaigns for robotic systems. Research Engineers perform engineering research involving a mix of electrical, mechanical, and software engineering on projects ranging from terrestrial to space robotics. Research Engineers are often given a large amount of autonomy and are expected to work well in multidisciplinary teams consisting of university students, professors of practice, and other full-time professionals.

Responsibilities:

• Designs and performs engineering experiments, tests, and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance.
• Plans, schedules, conducts, or coordinates detailed phases of projects of moderate scope.
• Reviews and evaluates results and conclusions of research projects.
• Designs, analyzes, builds, and tests special-purpose equipment and/or instrumentation for research purposes in robotics.
• Design, develop, and integrate robotic hardware, avionics, software, and controls for complex robotic systems.
• Plans and conducts engineering research requiring independent judgement in the evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard engineering and scientific techniques.
• Manages significant projects which may require the use of sophisticated project planning techniques.
• Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
• Identifies grant/project extensions and persuades customers/grantors to fund; impacts customer decisions and strategies. May initiate new project concepts and seek funding; develops technical proposals and makes presentations to potential customers/grant sponsors.

What we need:

We are actively recruiting for a level I, II, III, or IV TEES Research Engineer.

Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer I: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer II: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience with two years of related experience.
• Experience working with components of robotic systems (e.g., sensors, actuators, microcontrollers).

Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer III: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience with four years of related experience.
• Experience designing, building, programming, or controlling real robotic hardware.

Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer IV: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience with six years of related experience.
• Experience designing, building, programming, or controlling real robotic hardware.

What is helpful:

• Knowledge of test engineering principles, including test planning, verification and validation (V&V), failure analysis, and system qualification.
• Ability to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on research data and findings.
• Prior experience in environmental stress testing and qualification of electromechanical systems, including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, thermal cycling, radiation testing, or EMI/EMC testing.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and measurement systems, including sensors, data acquisition hardware, and diagnostic tools used in engineering test environments.
• Skilled in developing and executing test plans, including developing procedures, and automated test scripts for hardware and software systems .
• Skilled in designing test fixtures, hardware setups, and validation environments to evaluate system functionality and performance.
• Skilled in technical documentation, including writing test reports, procedures, and engineering documentation.
• Knowledge of relevant state-of-the-art technological developments, equipment, system and/or trends in robotics.
• Knowledge of engineering and/or scientific research principles, practices, and protocols.
• Knowledge of computer-aided drafting techniques, and design, including SOLIDWORKS.
• Ability to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on research data and findings.
• Ability to design, organize, and coordinate scientific and/or engineering research projects.
• Ability to conduct systematic analysis and develop solutions to scientific problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with individuals at all levels of the organization
• Experience directing small teams of junior researchers for focused development and implementation
• Experience collaborating with faculty, research engineers and stakeholders to identify end-user requirements and specifications
• Experience participating in demonstrations to stakeholders, reviews and evaluations of results, and establishing conclusions based on capability performance
• Portfolio examples of at least two of the following:
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) skills in SOLIDWORKS or similar
  • C++ or Python development using the Robot Operating System (ROS) framework
  • A testing campaign or test completed for an environmental evaluation of hardware.
  • Successful design, build, and testing of a robotic system

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.