Research Engineer

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The Gharib Group seeks a Research Engineer to help develop the next generation of autonomous systems for real-world robotics applications — designing, integrating, and testing new concepts across aerial, ground, and hybrid vehicles.

The work spans perception and control algorithms, electrical and mechanical design, simulation, and trade studies, and extends to putting those algorithms on real hardware: low-level firmware and driver development, system architecture and integration, and both lab-based and field robotics.

The role suits a generalist whose knowledge spans several disciplines and offers wide exposure across the group’s projects at both a practical and a theoretical level. The Engineer will also serve as lead for small project teams, reporting to faculty and mentoring graduate students.

• Full-stack autonomy software for wheeled, flying, and hybrid vehicles: perception, sensor fusion, control and navigation algorithms; hardware drivers; simulation.

• Electrical and mechanical design, 3D modeling and rapid prototyping, low-level firmware and driver development, system architecture and integration.

• Leading lab and field test campaigns, deploying code on physical hardware, operating robots, and meeting performance and robustness requirements for field use.

• Managing small engineering teams across aerial, terrestrial, and hybrid robotics projects; mentoring junior lab members.

• Written documentation and solution-space trade studies of new designs to guide future research in the lab.

• Master of Science in Computer Science or Engineering or related Engineering field.
• Professional or research experience in C++ and Python programming, controls, perception, and field robotics, including deploying and operating robotic hardware outside the lab.

• Practical experience in field robotics and real-world systems deployment.
• Software development with Linux, Robot Operating System (ROS), OpenCV, CI/CD, and embedded systems.
• Mechanical design and CAD, including Solid Works and Autodesk.
• Breadth across several engineering disciplines — a generalist who adapts quickly to unfamiliar fields.
• FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate, or experience operating uncrewed aircraft for research.

• Resume

$63,000 to $89,000 per year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time.

Learn more about our benefits and staff perks .

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