Associate Research Scientist; PREP

PREP Research Associate

Position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. The role requires collaboration with researchers at academic institutions and will be filled through a university partner of NIST.

Research

Title:

Robotics and Perception Engineer:
Perception Performance of Robotic Systems

Position

Description:

The Intelligent Systems Division at NIST is investigating the performance of 3D machine vision systems for manufacturing applications. The research will focus on integrating 3D bin‑picking vision systems with robotic arms, conducting experiments to evaluate performance, and developing new metrics and standards for these systems.

Work Schedule: On-campus (Gaithersburg, MD), Full-time (40 hrs/week)

• Integrate robot arms and commercial bin‑picking systems into the NIST/ISD bin‑picking testbed.
• Program collaborative robot arms for conducting various tasks and experiments.
• Research the effects of various factors (part color, part surface properties, bin color, bin depth, ratio of part size to bin size, part distribution in a bin) on bin‑picking performance (e.g., cycle time, pose uncertainty).
• Collect data from various 3D imaging systems.
• Design and develop 3D printed artifacts and optimize 3D printer parameters for improved quality.
• Use metrology systems (e.g., laser trackers, CMMs) to establish reference measurements.
• Use analysis software (Python, MATLAB, Spatial Analyzer, Polyworks, Excel) to interpret results and produce visualizations.
• Assist in the development of demonstrations for trade shows and conferences.
• Write reports and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications.

• US Citizen preferred.
• Engineering majors with a master’s degree, or in the final year of a master’s program.
• Programming experience in Python, Java, or C#.
• Experience using the Robot Operating System (ROS2) for visualizing and controlling robots.
• Experience with CAD software:
  Solid Works or OnShape.
• Experience operating and programming polymer and resin 3D printers; ability to optimize printing parameters.
• Proficiency in a Linux environment.
• Experience using MATLAB for data capture and analysis.
• Basic understanding of robot control theory (DH parameters, kinematics, etc.).
• Experience with 3D sensors such as LiDAR or RGB‑D cameras.

The applicant selected for this position will receive minimal training in the use of certain systems needed for the work.

Minimum: $…;
Maximum: $… (based on Johns Hopkins University’s good faith assessment at posting).

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