Robotics Research Engineer

Job Details Title: Robotics Research Engineer Location: Raleigh, NC Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 (commensurate with education and/or experience) Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm Department: Computer Science Appointment: 12‑Month Recurring Robotics Research Engineer – AERIS Lab The Autonomous Experimental Robotics and Intelligent Systems (AERIS) Lab in the Department of Computer Science at NC State University is hiring a Robotics Research Engineer – the lab’s first dedicated engineering hire. The role translates new research in autonomy, perception, and planning into systems that operate in real environments. Essential Job Duties As the lab’s first Robotics Research Engineer, you will help define how research concepts become working hardware and software—from embedded firmware through ROS2 autonomy stacks through field deployment at sponsor demonstration sites. You will also build the engineering infrastructure that the lab runs on. The role involves PCB layout one week, flight testing the next, debugging a perception pipeline the week after. Research Engineering & Development (70%) Design, build, integrate, and test UAS platforms and sensor systems for research projects Develop and maintain software in ROS/ROS2 for autonomous navigation, perception, and control Implement embedded systems for real‑time sensing, actuation, and communication Support flight testing at indoor and outdoor facilities, including field deployments at Lake Wheeler and sponsor demonstration sites Collaborate with students to translate research algorithms into working implementations Lab Operations & Equipment Management (20%) Maintain and manage lab equipment inventory, including drones, sensors, 3D printers, laser scanners, and fabrication tools Oversee the lab truck and coordinate field deployment logistics Ensure equipment readiness and safety compliance for indoor and outdoor flight operations Manage procurement of parts, components, and supplies Maintain software infrastructure, including simulators, configuration management, and data repositories Technical Collaboration (10%) Work alongside graduate and undergraduate researchers on hardware/software integration Contribute technical expertise to research discussions and problem‑solving Opportunity to contribute to publications and proposals as interest and time allows Other Responsibilities Occasional travel for field testing at remote sites and sponsor demonstrations Perform other related duties as assigned or requested Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field. Equivalent training with demonstrated experience may also be considered. Or a Master’s degree in one of the above fields Other Required Qualifications Proficiency with ROS or ROS2 Programming experience in Python and C/C++ Experience with embedded systems and microcontrollers Familiarity with Linux development environments FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or ability to obtain within 6 months) Preferred Qualifications PhD degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field, with demonstrated experience in robotics systems development Experience with PCB design and fabrication Experience with flight controller firmware such as PX4 or ArduPilot Experience with real‑time systems Hands‑on experience building, flying, and maintaining UAS platforms Experience with motion capture systems such as Vicon or similar Experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping Required Licenses or Certifications Valid NC driver’s license required for driving the lab truck to Lake Wheeler FAA Part 107 certification required (or willingness to obtain within 6 months) EEO Statement NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact View phone number on click.appcast.io to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. #J-18808-Ljbffr NC State University