Research Scientist - Robotics Team Leader

Staff - Research Scientist - Robotics Team Leader

Department: OR - Optimization and Intelligent Robotics

MERL is seeking a Robotics Team Leader / Senior Research Scientist to lead and conduct cutting‑edge research in robotics with a focus on learning, perception, motion planning, manipulation and shared autonomy for robotic systems including quadrupeds, humanoids among other platforms. This position combines technical leadership with active research. The successful candidate will both drive research directions in consideration of business objectives and actively contribute to research projects, including developing algorithms, validating research results and publishing results.

The role involves working closely with researchers across MERL as well as with Mitsubishi Electric’s engineering and product divisions to translate research innovations into technologies relevant to real‑world systems.

The successful candidate will bring an independent research agenda and a track record commensurate with experience and be capable of working within and leading interdisciplinary R&D teams.

Responsibilities for this position include:

• Define and guide strategic research directions in robotics manipulation, locomotion, and human‑robot interaction.
• Lead and contribute to collaborative research projects from concept to experimental validation.
• Coordinate robotics research strategy across MERL and with collaborators in Japan and throughout the Americas region.
• Publish research results in top‑tier conferences and journals.
• Partner with business units, corporate R&D, and academic groups in the execution of R&D projects.
• Transfer results and technology to Mitsubishi Electric’s engineering and product divisions for commercialization.

Qualifications for this position are:

• PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years experience post Ph.D. is preferred with a minimum of 3 years experience post Ph.D. being required. Experience with people management is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, alignment of research plans with business objectives.
• Strong research background in robotics with a demonstrated publication record in leading robotics or AI conferences.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Learning‑based approaches for robotic systems, particularly in imitation learning, reinforcement learning
  • Vision‑Language‑Action (VLA) models
  • Human‑Robot Interaction (HRI)
  • Dexterous manipulation
  • Perception using multimodal inputs including vision, tactile feedback.
  • Motion planning and trajectory optimization
  • Multi‑robot systems
• Strong programming skills in C++, Python, or similar languages.
• Familiarity with ROS / ROS2, robotics simulation tools (such as Mu Jo Co ).
• Experience validating research results on robotic hardware would be a plus.
• A strong publication record in leading conferences and journals, consistent with experience.
• A record for independently proposing and executing research programs with research and/or business impact.
• Strong teamwork, communication (oral and written), and listening skills.

The pay range for this position at the commencement of employment is expected to be between $188,000 and $244,000 per year. Actual base pay will depend on a variety of individualized factors, including job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

In addition to base salary, the total compensation package will include an annual performance‑based bonus and a comprehensive benefits program encompassing medical, dental, and vision coverage; a generous 401(k) match; commuting and home office stipends and various paid time off programs (including vacation, sick time, personal and parental leave). Specific details regarding participation in these programs will be provided upon an offer of employment.

Employment is considered “at‑will,” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary or any other compensation program at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, departmental or Company performance, and market conditions.

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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