Engineer - Robotics & Autonomy

GE Aerospace • Elgin Township, IL

1d • $90,000 - $100,000 • Onsite

About The Position

GE Aerospace Research is seeking an early-career researcher to join its Robotics & Autonomy Lab. The role builds technical expertise in robotics alongside organizational intelligence and leadership skills for a career in research. The lab advances flight through robotic manufacturing automation and vehicle and mission autonomy. Its work includes technologies for high-mix, low-volume work cells that operate independently and alongside human teammates without bespoke retooling, as well as autonomous solutions for uncrewed and reduced-crew vehicles, including sensing, localization, navigation, mission planning, and execution.

The first three years include structured development through technical foundation-building in the home lab, strategic stretch assignments across the organization’s capabilities, and connection with an early-career peer cohort. Development includes independent research, structured projects, coursework, and mentorship, with the aim of progressing from foundational researcher to recognized technical contributor in aerospace innovation.

The position is based at the GE Aerospace Research office in Niskayuna, New York. It may require an active U.S. Government Secret clearance and the ability to attain Top Secret clearance. The role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information, and employment is contingent on proving eligibility as a U.S. Person. Offers are conditioned on successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM discipline.
• Must be willing to work from the GE Aerospace Research office in Niskayuna, New York.
• Must be able to prove eligibility to work with U.S. export-controlled information as a U.S. Person.
• U.S. citizenship is required for the stated security-clearance eligibility and due to the nature of the projects.
• Successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen is required as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior internship, co-op, or research experience in a university, national laboratory, industry, or applied research setting.
• Exceptional academic performance with a research orientation, such as thesis-based work, publications, conference presentations, patents, or open-source technical contributions.
• Humble and inclusive approach, including willingness to learn, welcome feedback, and value different perspectives in technical debate.
• Focused and rigorous approach, using data to make decisions, framing hypotheses, designing experiments, iterating, and connecting research to real-world impact.
• Transparent and collaborative communication with varied audiences, cross-team partnership, and evidence-based alignment.
• Initiative and commitment to community or university involvement, such as mentoring, affinity groups, teaching assistantships, outreach, lab leadership, or service.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research and contribute to structured research projects.
• Develop technical expertise in robotics and contribute to the Robotics & Autonomy Lab’s work in robotic manufacturing automation and vehicle and mission autonomy.
• Develop technologies for high-mix, low-volume work cells that operate independently and alongside human teammates without bespoke retooling.
• Create autonomous solutions for uncrewed and reduced-crew vehicles, spanning sensing, localization, navigation, mission planning, and execution.
• Participate in coursework, mentorship, and strategic stretch assignments as part of the first-three-years development program.

Benefits

• Annual bonus eligibility through the GE Aerospace AIR Bonus Program, with a 5% target under current plan provisions.
• Medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage.
• Retirement plan, including Company Retirement Savings and a 401(k) with company matching.
• Life insurance options.
• Disability coverage.
• Paid time off.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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