Overview:

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry. GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.   

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do: 

1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Job Description

The Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory (ATAS) of the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is seeking a Junior Collaborative Autonomy Graduate Research Assistant for the Spring 2026 semester. We are looking for strong candidates that have extensive C/C++ and Python programming skills, follow software engineering best practices and have a strong mathematical foundation and problem solving skills. The candidate would have knowledge in one of the following:

• ROS
• Configuration management tools
• Task / team leadership experience
• Strong math skills and ability to learn complex engineering concepts
• Familiarity with Linux and open source tools
• Ability to clearly communicate technical ideas

Required Minimum Qualifications

Graduate Research Assistant

• Pursuing a Master’s degree or PhD at Georgia Tech in Aerospace, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Robotics, or related field.
• Must be enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours) during working semesters
• 3.0 or higher GPA
• Commit to 20 hours of work per week

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in integrating and deploying robotics algorithms for real-time operation on a robot in a real world environment is a plus.
• Proven research or software project experience in at least one of these areas is desirable:
  • Multi-robot collaboration
  • Path planning and navigation
  • Behavior based robotics
  • Optimal control and estimation
  • Machine learning for robotic control
  • Software engineering processes

• We are looking for strong candidates that have extensive C/C++ and Python programming skills, follow software engineering best practices and have a strong mathematical foundation and problem solving skills.

Hours per Week

20 hours per week

U.S. Citizenship Requirements

Due to our research contracts with the US federal government, candidates for this position are required to be US Citizens.

Clearance Type Required

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Housing and Relocation

Housing and relocation assistance are not available for this position.

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services.  Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

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All members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values, which consists of Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values shape and fundamentally support our University's work. Additionally, all faculty, staff, and administrators must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents and Georgia Institute of Technology's policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom. More information on these policies can be found here: Board of Regents Policy Manual | University System of Georgia (usg.edu).