Asst Robotics & Automation Engineering Project Manager

Santa Clara University•Santa Clara, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides technical expertise and engineering in support of the Robotic Systems Laboratory (RSL) in the School of Engineering. This Research Associate will perform critical tasks that are part of Dr. Kitts’ externally-funded research program to include the engineering development of advanced robotic systems, technology and capabilities. The position will include research into advanced robotic control and perception technologies, supporting computing and algorithmic approaches to implementing these systems, and the development tools and techniques appropriate for such work. The Research Associate will apply this work to the experimental development of functional robotic systems which will include tasks such as modeling, analysis, simulation, programming, manufacturing and experimentation. The Research Associate will also participate in interactions with external sponsors and collaborators, document and present designs and findings, etc.

Requirements

Knowledge of graduate-level engineering topics relating to mechatronic system design, robotic analysis and control, navigation/guidance sensors and algorithms, sensing/vision/perception systems, artificial intelligence algorithms (machine learning, deep learning, etc.), and so on
Knowledge regarding the safe and proper use of a broad range of tools to include 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, etc.
Knowledge of a broad range of manufacturing and prototyping tasks to include both mechanical and electrical prototyping.
Knowledge of broad range of design and analysis tools to include AI software development tools, Matlab/Simulink, etc.
Knowledge of system design and development processes, testing and evaluation processes, etc.
Knowledge of robotic manipulator and mobile robot platforms, to include use of the ROS software framework
Knowledge of ‘cobot’ manipulators and experience in developing advanced capabilities for such manipulators.
Knowledge of simple mechatronic design of prosthetic devices.
Experience in complying with and overseeing safe use of machines and tools to include their use, operation, calibration, maintenance, commissioning, troubleshooting, etc.
Experience in software design tools, to include their use, installation, configuration, etc.
Experience in component system design to include the use of design and manufacturing tools for computer-aided manufactured parts and ideally pc board layout, fabrication, assembly and test
Experience developing advanced mechatronic systems to include the design/selection/evaluation/integration/analysis of sensing, control and actuation subsystems and components
Experience in workstation and embedded software development using languages/tools such as Python, C/C++, Matlab/Simulink, software integrated development environments, ROS, Windows and Linux, Arduino/Pi, and so on
Experience in operating, using and extending the capabilities of robotic manipulators and mobile platforms.
Broad range of clear and effective communications skills
Commitment to understand and support Santa Clara University’s distinctive Jesuit educational vision and willingness to model institutional values of competence, conscience, and compassion, in pursuit of its mission and goals.
Ability to learn and apply applicable safety practices regarding manufacturing, machine operation, battery use, etc.
Ability to learn applicable legal and administrative concepts, procedures, documentation requirements.
Ability to learn and execute safe handling of heavy materials and support equipment to include: lifting and transporting equipment (up to 100 lbs or more) on an infrequent basis; potentially operating a vehicle while towing a trailer; operating winches, cranes and overhead hoists; and so on
Ability to obtain and operate within the framework of professional licenses and certification as deemed necessary, to possibly include radio broadcast licensing, drone piloting and operation, marine vessel licensing and operation, etc.
Ability to work on collaborative, interdisciplinary projects with engineers, designers, and technology managers.
Ability to plan, obtain approval for, and conduct work with human subjects.
M.S. in engineering or a related field required
Coursework in robotic-oriented topics such as robotics, mechatronics, deep learning, machine learning, vision systems, sensors, and so on.
0-3 years of experience of experience developing/analyzing mechatronic and robotic systems and technologies, to include some experience with vision systems and/or machine learning tools required.
[6 months of summer internship experience]

Responsibilities

Assist with the management of lab development projects and activities
Assist with engaging stakeholders and sponsors to identify needs, collaboratively develop systems/capabilities, solicit feedback on work, and so on programs.
Manage and participate in the preparation of program documentation, meetings and site visits, presentations, reports, deliverables, reviews and scholarly works.
Collaborate with Dr. Kitts and other faculty/staff in developing tutorials, teaching materials and laboratory equipment to sustain and enhance the teaching of associated robotic technologies
Assists the RSL Director with lab/facility management duties to include management of RSL laboratory spaces, equipment, training and safety protocols, processes, students, reporting, etc.
Supports advanced engineering work in the development of advanced robotic systems, components and capabilities, which may include any of the following:
Supports development of distributed embedded systems for on-board robotic/device control, to include associated software development, hardware design, peripheral/component integration, etc.
Develops pilot/operator/supervisor control systems and software for remote robotic systems that operation on/in land/sea/air/space, and capable of functions such as real time control scripting, health/anomaly management, command planning, resource management, etc.
Assists with performing R&D activities relating to RSL research areas, such as multi-robot control, cobot design and human interaction, anomaly management, advance robotic system development, etc.
Research, learn, and prototype new techniques in as applicable in the areas of control, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, vision and perception systems, SLAM, object identification and classification, object/people/gesture recognition, etc.
Research, learn, and prototype the use of development tools and technologies appropriate for robotic and perception systems, to include ROS, computational accelerators, TensorFlow and other AI tools, etc.
Apply techniques, tools, and technologies in the iterative design and development of functional robotic components and systems.
Experimentally verify and characterize the performance of robotic and perception components and systems
Document designs and findings using available documentation, project development and version control systems.
Other duties as assigned.