Multi-Agent Robotics Fielding Systems Engineer

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

8d•$149,656 - $186,888•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Robotics Systems Engineer with skills in fielding complex multi-agent robotic systems for the Multi-Agent Robotics Group, part of the Robotic Mobility & Manipulation Section. The Robotic Mobility & Manipulation Section develops, matures, and brings to space flight, robotics technology for in-situ exploration of the solar system. Example activities include sampling, manipulation, and mobility systems for planetary bodies (Moon, Mars, Venus, Europa, Enceladus, etc…). The Section also provides robotics expertise for space flight hardware and software implementation along with mission operations support. Opportunity: To work with an enthusiastic multi-disciplinary workforce that originates and executes robotics technology development and space flight projects for terrestrial and planetary exploration applications. This role is focused on fielding complex robotics multi-agent aerospace systems on planetary and military robotic vehicles in support of JPL and other missions. The role requires familiarity with various aspects of a robotic system and ability to interface with sponsor, government team, and JPL engineers and other partners to successfully deploy our robotics multi-agent solutions in often challenging environments under time constraints.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience or a Ph.D. in a related discipline with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
ROS/ ROS 2 expertise (DDS and other, C++, Python, RViz, Fox Glove) and Linux on embedded platforms (Nvidia family of products, Raspberry Pi, PX4)
Experience setting up and running a large, production quality codebases including version control and CI/CD pipelines in very rapid turnaround (typically 1 month field test cycles and daily integration during field test events).
Proven knowledge of low-level software integration (e.g. embedded systems, sensor drivers for ROS2), high-reliability / safety-critical code (fail-safes, ‘sandboxes’ for research code), tooling (optimizing development environments, docker, CI/CD, systems admin), hardware / sensor / payload integration
Experience running robotic field tests and proven knowledge of robotics field test safety requirements.
Proven proficiency of code deployment (Docker and RPM is a must) on various networked embedded (Nvidia products, Raspberry Pi, and similar) and cluster / cloud compute elements.
Working knowledge of all the aspects of robotics (e.g. localization, motion planning, control, hardware, communications, C2)
Strong communication skills and ability to work across teams
Contact information for three references

Nice To Haves

Having performed these functions in fast paced (DARPA and similar) projects is a major plus.
UAS and USV expertise and capability to pilot and navigate FAA, DoD, and NASA requirements is a major plus.
Familiarity with space robotics
Strong software engineering practices

Responsibilities

Fielding complex robotics multi-agent aerospace systems on planetary and military robotic vehicles in support of JPL and other missions.
Interface with sponsor, government team, and JPL engineers and other partners to successfully deploy robotics multi-agent solutions in challenging environments under time constraints.
Set up and run large, production quality codebases including version control and CI/CD pipelines in rapid turnaround environments.
Perform low-level software integration (e.g. embedded systems, sensor drivers for ROS2).
Implement high-reliability / safety-critical code (fail-safes, ‘sandboxes’ for research code).
Optimize development environments, tooling, and systems administration.
Integrate hardware and sensors.
Run robotic field tests and ensure compliance with robotics field test safety requirements.
Deploy code (Docker and RPM) on various networked embedded systems and cluster / cloud compute elements.
Utilize knowledge of all aspects of robotics (e.g. localization, motion planning, control, hardware, communications, C2).