NIWC - Graduate Student I - UAV/ Robotic Design, Development, and Integration Project (Task No. 43-0626008)

SDSU Research Foundation•San Diego, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The RESTORE project aims to research and develop UAV systems and robotics capable of performing complex missions in various operational environments. This initiative is crucial to advancing unmanned capabilities within the Navy and DOD, ensuring that the systems developed are reliable, efficient, and meet operational requirements. The student will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to explore innovative unmanned solutions, focusing on both hardware and software components. The student will apply advanced engineering principles to develop UAV and Robotic prototypes, integrate UAV systems, and conduct performance assessments. The work involves using cutting-edge tools for unmanned system design, control systems development, sensor integration, and flight and field testing.

Requirements

Must be enrolled in a masters degree program related to the required discipline requested on the task order statement of work.
Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with coursework or experience relevant to UAV design and development.
Must obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
Only US Citizens may qualify.
Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).

Nice To Haves

UAV Design and Development
Autonomous Systems
Control Systems Engineering
Robotics
AI and Machine Learning
Sensor Integration
Computer Vision
Embedded Systems
Power Systems
Experience with CAD software for UAV design (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA)
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or MATLAB
Knowledge of AI/ML techniques applied to autonomy
Familiarity with UAV simulation tools (e.g., Gazebo, ROS)
Experience with UAV flight control systems and autopilot software (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot)
Experience in integrating hardware and software components into UAV systems
Experience with communication protocols for UAV systems (e.g., MAVLink)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and in team settings

Responsibilities

Assist with the conceptual and detailed design of UAV airframes using CAD software.
Assist with the assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of UAV/Robotic prototypes.
Contribute to the development of autonomous flight control algorithms, including path planning, obstacle avoidance, and decision-making systems.
Support the integration of sensors and payloads into unmanned platforms, ensuring compatibility and optimized performance.
Assist with the development and testing of unmanned systems in simulated and real-world environments, including the setup of test protocols, data collection and analysis.
Participate in the design and implementation of ground control systems for UAV operation and monitoring.
Aid in the development of AI-based solutions for enhancing autonomy, including machine learning techniques for real-time decision making.
Assist in the development of communication systems for UAV-to-UAV and UAVto-ground station data transmission.
Develop and sustain software for UAV/Robotic control and mission planning, ensuring robust and secure operation.
Assist in ensuring UAV/Robotic compliance with relevant safety and regulatory standards.