Lead Robotics Engineer Hazardous Environments

Job Description

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is seeking an experienced Roboticist to lead and grow a fundamental science research team in the area of advanced robotics. The Department of Energy has a need to develop advanced robotics for hazardous environments. Many applications such as maintenance activities for energy production, threat elimination, materials transfer, and decontamination and decommissioning efforts are prohibitive for human entry due to environmental conditions such as local radiation fields.

Topical areas of interest include hardware development, control algorithms, and the incorporation of AI/ML for autonomous operation. Job duties and responsibilities will include defining research focus, identifying opportunities for funding, developing proposals, and training/mentoring early career robotics focused engineers and scientists.

• Set and define group research foci in line with DOE/SRNL needs
• Identify opportunities to engage new funding agencies both government and non‑government sponsored
• Develop high quality proposals for submission to funding agencies
• Network with funding agency program managers
• Publish scientific articles in high quality, high impact factor journals
• Mentor early career researchers both technically and in proposal development

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or other closely related disciplines
• 15+ years of experience
• Experience developing robotic platforms such as robotic arms, mobile robots, or soft robotics
• Experience in modern robotic system programming and control
• Experience with robotics simulation tools for development (Isaac Sim / Isaac Lab preferred)
• Experience developing successful proposals
• Strong desire to lead dynamic groups in a collaborative setting
• Ability to function well in a fast‑paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines and adapt to ever changing needs

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or other closely related disciplines
• 12+ years experience
• Strong publication record indicating a track record of successful development and scientific discovery
• Experience incorporating AI/ML algorithms for robotic control
• Experience with deploying robotics in hazardous environments
• Experience with relevant nuclear environments
• Experience developing successful proposals for government funding agencies, preferably DOE

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a multi‑program laboratory applying state of the art science and practical, high‑value, cost‑effective solutions to complex technical problems to protect the nation. Located at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken SC, the laboratory develops and deploys innovative technologies to address some of the nation’s environmental, energy, and national security challenges.

BSRA is constantly assessing trends to provide the best possible benefits to our workforce. We also negotiate cost effective premiums that will meet the needs of our evolving workforce.

• Benefits vary based upon employment status
• Highly competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision options including HSA options with company provided seed
• Short- & Long‑Term Disability (company paid)
• Life Insurance Non‑Contributory 1X salary (company paid)
• AD&D Non‑contributory 1x salary (company paid)
• Savings & Investment plan
• Contributory Life Insurance up to 5x Salary with $1M Cap
• Contributory AD&D (employee, spouse and children)
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Plan
• SRNL offers a competitive relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.

• Qualified Non‑Elective Company Contribution of 5% each pay period with immediate vesting
• Company match 50 cents/dollar up to 8% (5 yrs. vesting in company match)

BSRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national…