Research Scientist - Control Autonomous Systems

Staff - Research Scientist – Control for Autonomous Systems

Join Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL), the U.S. research organization of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, to advance autonomous systems as part of the Control for Autonomy Team. MERL conducts fundamental research motivated by real-world problems and then applies the results to demonstrate solutions. The team focuses on planning, control, and estimation for autonomous systems, leveraging novel research in control theory, optimization, estimation, and machine learning.

Research areas for this position include, but are not limited to, design with guarantees and analysis of machine learning-based controllers, perception-based planning and control, control for human-in-the-loop and human‑machine interaction, real‑time optimization algorithms, statistical learning and estimation, and constrained control. Candidates at any career stage are considered, with title and role adjusted based on prior experience.

• Conduct innovative fundamental research in the areas of control and planning for autonomous systems, and apply the research results in relevant domains.
• Validate the research results by simulations and possibly experiments with prototypes or lab equipment.
• Publish results in leading technical journals and conferences, and support drafting patent applications.
• Support technology transfer to partner organizations such as advanced engineering and product development labs.
• Define new long‑term research directions and propose and lead research projects.

• Ph.D. from an internationally recognized institution in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or other relevant fields, with a focus on control theory and/or machine learning.
• Strong publication record demonstrating innovative research.
• Strong programming skills in at least one of Python, MATLAB, C/C++, Julia. Basic knowledge or interest in real‑time/embedded systems programming is a plus, but not required.
• Interest in experimental validation of research results, e.g., with drones, small ground robots, legged robots. Prior experience in experimental validation is a plus, but not required.
• Teamwork, communication (oral and written) and presentation skills.

Pay range: $135,000 – $170,000 per year. Actual base pay depends on individual factors. The compensation package also includes an annual performance‑based bonus and comprehensive benefits covering medical, dental, and vision, a generous 401(k) match, commuting and home‑office stipends, and various paid time off programs (vacation, sick time, personal and parental leave).

Employment is at‑will. MERL reserves the right to modify base salary or any other compensation program at any time, including for reasons related to performance, department or company performance, and market conditions.

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MERL provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MERL complies with applicable state and local nondiscrimination laws in every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

MERL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of MERL's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Working at MERL requires full authorization to work in the U.S. and access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions due to export controls. Employment is conditioned on continued full authorization to work in the U.S. and the availability of government authorization for the release of these items. MERL may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to MERL facilities and information systems to ensure compliance with applicable employment law and government access control restrictions.