Associate Robotics AI Engineer (Entry Level)

Battelle • Columbus, OH

11h • Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle is seeking an early career Robotics AI Engineer to support fast-moving, IRAD-style projects at the intersection of artificial intelligence and robotic systems. This is a hybrid position located at our Columbus, OH headquarters. You will apply AI, machine learning, computer vision, and autonomy algorithms to build robots, sensors, and advanced scientific instrumentation operating in complex environments across chemistry, biology, materials science, and cyber domains. This is a hands-on role working directly with physical hardware, developing solutions that perform in real-world conditions. You will design and integrate AI-driven capabilities such as perception, navigation, sensor fusion, and autonomous decision-making, contributing to programs including Battelle’s DART system and PathPlan software. Over time, you will grow into ownership of end-to-end pipelines from sensor input to autonomous action.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• 0 to 2 years of experience (including academic projects, internships, research, competitions)
• Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for robotics or autonomous systems
• Hands-on experience integrating software with physical sensors and hardware
• Foundational knowledge of AI/ML for physical systems (computer vision, planning, control, reinforcement learning)
• Experience with ROS or ROS2
• Familiarity with Linux and version control (Git)
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or relevant graduate research in robotics or AI
• Experience with embedded systems, real-time systems, or hardware-software co-design
• Hands-on work with simulation tools such as Gazebo, NVIDIA Isaac Sim, MuJoCo, or Webots, with experience bridging sim-to-real deployment.
• Familiarity with robotics data tools (rosbag, MCAP)
• Hands-on prototyping skills (3D printing, soldering, wiring, PCB work)
• Experience with AI/ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV)
• Background in robotics competitions, open-source contributions, or published research
• Exposure to multi-agent systems, human-robot teaming, or swarm robotics
• Familiarity with MATLAB or Simulink
• Interest in autonomy testing, validation, or safe AI systems
• Experience in government, defense, or applied research environments
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate AI/ML models on robotic platforms (ground, aerial, maritime) for perception, navigation, and decision-making
• Integrate, calibrate, and troubleshoot sensors (cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, GPS, depth sensors) to support localization and mapping
• Apply sensor fusion and state estimation techniques to improve system reliability in dynamic environments
• Write production-quality code in Python and/or C++ within ROS/ROS2 and Linux environments, leveraging modern development tools
• Build and validate perception and autonomy pipelines in simulation and deploy to physical hardware through testing and iteration
• Deploy and optimize AI models on edge computing platforms for real-time inference
• Conduct field testing and resolve hardware-software integration issues under real-world conditions
• Contribute to rapid prototyping efforts supporting IRAD and mission-driven timelines
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate ambiguous requirements into working solutions
• Document designs, testing, and integration processes to support reproducibility
• Support research proposals and present technical findings to stakeholders and external audiences

Benefits

• Compressed work schedule (every other Friday off)
• Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office, 40% remote)
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Wellness incentives and benefits
• Optional supplemental benefits
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support
• 401(k) retirement savings plan (5% company contribution regardless of employee contribution, plus matching)
• Tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level