Robotics Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Robotics Engineer (Mid-Level)
Energetics Technology Center (ETC)
Location: ARL’s Robotics Research Collaboration Campus (R2C2), Graces Quarters, Middle River, MD, with support to Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

The Energetics Technology Center (ETC) is seeking a full-time mid-level Robotics Engineer to support intelligent robotics systems research for our Department of War client at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL). This role focuses on software and hardware integration for proof-of-concept demonstrations and performance evaluation of autonomous behaviors on individual robots and teams of ground and aerial platforms.

The work requires deploying autonomy onto real platforms and respecting constraints on motion, force, sensing, communication, and compute. It is aligned with ARL’s mission of fully autonomous maneuver in complex, unstructured environments.

This is a full-time onsite position. The role may include outdoor work in varying terrain and weather, and travel two to three times per year for up to two weeks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and integrate a mobile-robot autonomy stack spanning perception, mapping and localization, navigation, control, and higher-level intelligence (e.g., exploration and multi-platform mission management).
• Deploy ARL autonomy software onto ground and aerial platforms and integrate sensors, compute, and software for laboratory and field missions (Ubuntu and/or RHEL).
• Transition new internal and university research into ARL’s core robotics stacks and support movement of prototype capabilities to field testing.
• Plan, execute, and support robotics experiments, including field tests in controlled but sometimes austere environments such as desert and forest terrain.
• Collaborate with ARL staff and university partners to refactor, optimize, and verify prototype algorithms.
• Analyze experimental data; document code and system architecture; and prepare reports, briefings, and publications.
• Support related configuration, integration, and system-administration work on lab and field platforms as assigned.

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. A master’s degree with a robotics or autonomy concentration is preferred.

Experience Level: 3–5 years of robotics software engineering, autonomy, and/or robotic systems integration experience.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• U.S. citizenship and current possession of, or ability to obtain, a U.S. SECRET security clearance.
• Hands-on ROS and/or ROS 2 development and deployment on Linux, including command-line tools and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in Python and C++ for robotics software, including CMake, Git, and third-party library integration.
• Working knowledge of perception, SLAM/localization, navigation, and motion control, including platform constraints.
• Experience integrating sensors and compute on robotic platforms (e.g., cameras, LiDAR, IMU, GPS, motion capture) and troubleshooting hardware/software interfaces.
• Experience planning, executing, and reporting robotics experiments, including data logging and algorithm verification.
• Ability to work independently and on a small team in research and field-experimentation settings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including code documentation, technical reports, and presentations.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• PX4, MAVLink, or similar flight/autonomy stacks; multi-robot or UAV–UGV teaming.
• State estimation and control methods (EKF/UKF, MPC, LQR, or comparable techniques).
• Computer vision, machine learning, or robot simulation (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac).
• Operator tools such as RViz, Qt, or similar dashboards; time-series data systems (e.g., InfluxDB).
• Linux+ / RHCSA or equivalent; prior robotics publications or technical reports.

What We Offer: Hands-on work with robotics and autonomous systems research at ARL R2C2 and Aberdeen Proving Ground. The role offers a hybrid schedule, exposure to fielded research robots, and support for required professional certifications.

Compensation: Compensation at ETC is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, and applicable employment laws. The estimated salary range for this position is based on full time status.

Estimated Salary Range
USD $91,000.00 - USD $163,000.00 /Yr