(Senior) Robotics Engineer

Job Description

VTTI seeks an ambitious Senior Research Associate, or Research Associate, to join an established and talented team that is making an impact in autonomous vehicle research. As a member of the team, you’ll enable research into all levels of vehicle systems and deploy autonomous vehicles for research purposes. This engineer will develop software for autonomous vehicle control and perception, advanced data acquisition, human/machine interaction, and much more. The work performed will involve developing innovative and creative solutions to complex challenges with a goal of advancing the field of data collection and transportation safety.

The individual filling this role will independently perform most assignments with instructions on global objectives and general results expected. They will receive technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and work will be reviewed for application of sound professional judgment.

At The Research Associate Rank

• Independently evaluate, select and apply engineering principles, procedures, and criteria, using judgement in making adaptations and modifications to existing systems and help develop the next generation of research systems.
• Leverage existing technology, combine emerging technology, and produce novel technology to solve complex research questions.
• Support the design of circuits, firmware, and software for a variety of automotive data acquisition systems and other autonomous systems. Work with researchers to develop technology deployment strategies.
• Other supporting duties may include: test materials, trial and error problem solving, preparation of specifications, process study, research investigations, and report preparation.
  
  

At The Senior Research Associate Rank

• Independently evaluate, select and apply engineering principles, procedures, and criteria, using judgement in making adaptations and modifications to existing systems and help develop the next generation of research systems.
• Leverage existing technology, combine emerging technology, and produce novel technology to solve complex research questions.
• Independently work designing circuits, firmware, and software for a variety of automotive data acquisition systems. Requires working with research to develop technology deployment strategies.
• Ability to take lead on projects.
• May supervise/mentor/train and coordinate the work of technicians, graduate research assistants, and others who assist in specific assignments.
• Iteratively acts in concert with the research team and sponsors to define project goals, technical specifications, and overall objectives.
• Actively participate in the procurement of new work by demonstrating facility capabilities, summarizing data, and contributing to technical white papers.
• Other supporting duties may include: test materials, trial and error problem solving, preparation of specifications, process study, research investigations, and report preparation.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Performance at either level requires developmental experience in a professional position or equivalent graduate level educations for the Research associate rank.
• Research Associate Rank will require a M.S. degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or comparable (Lesser degree with significant experience in leu of master’s will be considered)
• Senior Research Associate Rank will require a PhD in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or comparable. (Master’s degree with significant experience in lieu of PhD will be considered)
  
  

General

• Experience writing software in C , Python, and/or similar modern programming languages.
• Experience with Gnu/Linux.
• Experience interfacing with various computer components, peripherals, and sensors.
• Must have a strong work ethic and be able to work independently with little supervision.
• Strong writing and organizational skills
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with autonomous vehicle technologies
• Experience in ROS/ROS2
• Experience with real time data collection
• Experience with firmware development
• Experience with actuator control
  
  

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Research Associate rank starting at $70,000; commensurate with experience. Sr. Research Associate starting at $95,000; commensurate with experience.

Review Date

4/15/2024

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Natalie Jett at Njett@vtti.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.