PROJECT/UNIT DESCRIPTION

The GTRI Robotics and Autonomous Systems Division is looking for Scientists and Engineers specializing in robotic algorithm development specializing in dynamical systems control. You will be joining a growing robotics division primarily focused on the development of real-time algorithms for robotics applications, including but not limited to multi-robot collaboration, swarming, path planning, navigation, world-modeling, and task allocation for aerial and surface robots.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with implementing state-of-the-art algorithms, controllers, and filters on real-world mobile robot systems, including field test experimentation or robotic competitions.
• Experience with C++, Python, ROS, Linux, and/or robotic simulation engines like Gazebo and SCRIMMAGE.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Active Secret Clearance.
• A strong history of publication or hardware-implementation of advanced algorithms demonstrating the ability to perform independent research is desired.
• Experience with fast prototyping in MATLAB and/or Python as well as transitioning and deploying these algorithms into C++ for real-time operation on a robot in real-world environments.
• Experience in one or more of the following is desirable:
• Multi-robot teams
• Path planning and navigation
• Behavior-based robotics
• Optimal control and estimation
• Machine learning for robotic control.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• 10% - 25% travel.

EDUCATION AND LENGTH OF EXPERIENCE

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

• 9 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or any related field with a focus on Dynamics and Control.
• 7 years of related experience with a Masters’ degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or any related field with a focus on Dynamics and Control.
• 4 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or any related field with a focus on Dynamics and Control.

U.S. CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

JOB PURPOSE

A robotics engineer develops the hardware and/or software that enables electro-mechanical systems to perform a series of tasks with little or no human involvement. The robotics engineer can develop the mechanical mechanisms that form the robot, integrate sensors such as cameras and LIDAR systems into the system, or develop the algorithms to allow the robot or autonomous system to sense its environment, plan its actions, and then execute the plan. This position contributes to the fundamental and applied understanding of robotic and autonomous systems. The robotics researcher develops the advanced autonomous planning, coordination, perception and control algorithms that enable a mobile robot or team of robots to operate in dynamic environments. The engineer can also interface with perceptual, actuation, communication and other systems to enable the robot to sense, plan actions, coordinate actions according to mission plans and execute the plans. This position may incorporate a fundamental understanding of robotic control and path planning as well as an applied understanding of robotics systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop methods and perform research tasks to meet project objectives including directing others.
• Architect overall signal processing procedures with system integration in mind.
• Lead or contribute to the development of whitepapers and proposals to support a research area.
• Support sponsors and potential sponsors engagement.
• Primary author of sections technical reports/presentations of projects, journal articles, and conference presentations.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop real-time algorithms for robotics applications, including multi-robot collaboration, swarming, path planning, guidance, navigation, and/or task allocation on robots in one or more domains (air, ground, or sea).
• Perform rapid simulation development, prototyping, and field-testing. Generate research reports, publication, proposals, and briefs to our customers. Experience with C++, Python, ROS, Linux, and/or robotic simulation engines like Gazebo and SCRIMMAGE.
• Develop and tune controllers for various systems in software suites like ArduPilot and ArduRover.
• Develop and tune filters for state estimation and sensor fusion.
• Analyze experimental robotic system logs to determine system performance and develop solutions to undesirable performance characteristics.
• Develop tool to characterize and tune controller performance in the field.