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.

Project/Unit Description

The Robotics Branch of the Intelligent Sustainable Technologies Division (ISTD) at Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is searching for a Robotics Engineer with experience in creating innovative robotics and automation solutions for both industry and Government efforts in domains ranging from biomanufacturing, warehouse automation, aircraft maintenance, and agriculture. Our group is looking for graduates in robotics, computer science, computer/electrical/mechanical engineering, or related fields specializing in software development for robotic planning, perception, control for agile robotics, and development of novel automation solutions. You will be joining a growing robotics branch and division, and responsibilities may include research into new and innovative algorithms, rapid prototyping, systems integration, and software engineering with a specific focus on agile robotic applications. Responsibilities include algorithm development, test, and debug, along with system integration.

The candidate should be self-motivated, have demonstrated C/C++ and python programming skills, followed software engineering best practices, and had a strong mathematical foundation and problem-solving skills. The successful candidate will perform research into novel solutions and algorithms for areas ranging from manipulation for discrete part assembly to sensor processing for obstacle avoidance and localization in industrial agricultural, and Government domains.

ISTD is part of the Aerospace, Transportation, and Advanced Systems Lab (ATAS) of GTRI. ATAS conducts research for Government and industry customers in industrial robotics, medical robotics, unmanned systems, aerodynamics, radar and weapons systems, food processing technology, and modelling of social systems. ISTD's current focus is in supporting military logistics, space and biomanufacturing, and agricultural systems. https://fptd.gatech.edu

Job Purpose

A robotics engineer develops the hardware and/or software that enables electro-mechanical systems to perform a series of tasks with little or no human involvement. The robotics engineer can develop the mechanical mechanisms that form the robot, integrate sensors such as cameras and LIDAR systems into the system, or develop the algorithms to allow the robot or autonomous system to sense its environment, plan its actions, and then execute the plan. This position contributes to the fundamental and applied understanding of robotic and autonomous systems. The robotics researcher develops the advanced autonomous planning, coordination, perception and control algorithms that enable a mobile robot or team of robots to operate in dynamic environments. The engineer can also interface with perceptual, actuation, communication and other systems to enable the robot to sense, plan actions, coordinate actions according to mission plans and execute the plans. This position may incorporate a fundamental understanding of robotic control and path planning as well as an applied understanding of robotics systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform basic signal processing with supervisor direction.
• Document work in written and presentation form.
• Contribute to algorithm application discussions.
• Contribute to technical reports/presentations of projects, journal articles, and conference presentations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Develop and test robotic control algorithms.
• Assist in mechatronic design and assembly of actuated systems.
• Software development in support of auxiliary systems functions.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program relevant to this position will be considered. The candidate must have a graduation date of no later than May 2025.
• C/C++ experience.
• Python experience.
• Knowledge of robotics and perception open-source libraries (OpenCV, ROS2, PCL).

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong mathematical background and understanding of advanced robot control algorithms.
• Experience with continuum robots.
• Experience with ROS2.
• Mechatronics and systems integration experience.
• PCB and electrical design experience.

Travel Requirements

• <10% travel.

Education and Length of Experience

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

• 0 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering.

Benefits at GTRI

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions.  This prohibition applies to faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including affiliates, invitees, and guests. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.