Robotics Research Engineer I-IV

Texas A&M•Bryan, TX

About The Position

Why work for Texas A&M Engineering? Engineering has been part of Texas A&M University since its opening in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. Today, the College of Engineering is the largest college on the College Station campus with more than 25,000 engineering students enrolled in 15 departments. Its mission is to serve Texas, the nation and the global community by providing engineering graduates who are well-founded in engineering fundamentals, instilled with the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior, and prepared to meet the complex technical challenges of society. As the research arm of Engineering, the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) is a state agency within the Texas A&M University System with a mission to improve lives through basic and applied engineering research, workforce development and technology transition. Our collaborations with industry, academia and government provide cutting-edge solutions to global technical challenges. We are deeply committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce that embraces our core values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Service, by offering competitive salaries, an array of benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an enriching and highly collaborative working community that is deeply passionate about our vision for higher education, research, and public service. Job Description Under general supervision, RAD Lab is seeking a Robotics Research Engineer of whom evaluates, selects, and applies standard engineering research techniques, procedures, and criteria to the development of tests and testing campaigns for robotic systems. Research Engineers perform engineering research involving a mix of electrical, mechanical, and software engineering on projects ranging from terrestrial to space robotics. Research Engineers are often given a large amount of autonomy and are expected to work well in multidisciplinary teams consisting of university students, professors of practice, and other full-time professionals.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer I: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer II: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience with two years of related experience. Experience working with components of robotic systems (e.g., sensors, actuators, microcontrollers).
Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer III: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience with four years of related experience. Experience designing, building, programming, or controlling real robotic hardware.
Minimum qualifications for a Research Engineer IV: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience with six years of related experience. Experience designing, building, programming, or controlling real robotic hardware.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of test engineering principles, including test planning, verification and validation (V&V), failure analysis, and system qualification.
Ability to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on research data and findings.
Prior experience in environmental stress testing and qualification of electromechanical systems, including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, thermal cycling, radiation testing, or EMI/EMC testing.
Knowledge of instrumentation and measurement systems, including sensors, data acquisition hardware, and diagnostic tools used in engineering test environments.
Skilled in developing and executing test plans, including developing procedures, and automated test scripts for hardware and software systems .
Skilled in designing test fixtures, hardware setups, and validation environments to evaluate system functionality and performance.
Skilled in technical documentation, including writing test reports, procedures, and engineering documentation.
Knowledge of relevant state-of-the-art technological developments, equipment, system and/or trends in robotics.
Knowledge of engineering and/or scientific research principles, practices, and protocols.
Knowledge of computer-aided drafting techniques, and design, including SOLIDWORKS.
Ability to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on research data and findings.
Ability to design, organize, and coordinate scientific and/or engineering research projects.
Ability to conduct systematic analysis and develop solutions to scientific problems.
Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with individuals at all levels of the organization
Experience directing small teams of junior researchers for focused development and implementation
Experience collaborating with faculty, research engineers and stakeholders to identify end-user requirements and specifications
Experience participating in demonstrations to stakeholders, reviews and evaluations of results, and establishing conclusions based on capability performance
Portfolio examples of at least two of the following: Computer-Aided Design (CAD) skills in SOLIDWORKS or similar C++ or Python development using the Robot Operating System (ROS) framework A testing campaign or test completed for an environmental evaluation of hardware. Successful design, build, and testing of a robotic system

Responsibilities

Designs and performs engineering experiments, tests, and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance.
Plans, schedules, conducts, or coordinates detailed phases of projects of moderate scope.
Reviews and evaluates results and conclusions of research projects.
Designs, analyzes, builds, and tests special-purpose equipment and/or instrumentation for research purposes in robotics.
Design, develop, and integrate robotic hardware, avionics, software, and controls for complex robotic systems.
Plans and conducts engineering research requiring independent judgement in the evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard engineering and scientific techniques.
Manages significant projects which may require the use of sophisticated project planning techniques.
Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
Identifies grant/project extensions and persuades customers/grantors to fund; impacts customer decisions and strategies.
May initiate new project concepts and seek funding; develops technical proposals and makes presentations to potential customers/grant sponsors.

Benefits

Competitive medical insurance benefits through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and Prescription coverage by Express Scripts.
Options for Vision , Dental , Life , and Long-Term Disability insurance.
A defined benefit retirement plan with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) with 8.25% employer contribution.
Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Deferred Account 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation Program 457(b).
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
Generous paid time off with holidays , vacation and sick leave .
Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional development opportunities.
Tuition assistance and Educational release time to further your academic pursuits.
Access to Engineer Your Wellness programs that provide opportunities for employees to engage in health and fitness.
Wellness release time offered to employees to promote work/life balance.