Senior Researcher /Next Generation Wireless Precision Sensors

Senior Researcher / Senior Engineer - Next-Generation Wireless Precision Sensors Role Summary We are seeking a Senior Researcher / Senior Engineer to lead development of next-generation wireless sensing solutions for Future Factory manufacturing systems. This role will focus on high‑precision, machine‑attachable sensors that can operate in industrial environments and communicate over emerging 5G and 6G networks. The successful candidate will define sensing architectures for manufacturing equipment, prototype and validate high‑resolution wireless sensors, and enable real‑time data capture for AI-driven process monitoring, quality prediction, and closed-loop optimization. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in precision sensing hardware with a strong understanding of manufacturing environments, sensor integration constraints, signal quality, and industrial deployment. What You’ll Do Lead development of wireless sensing concepts for manufacturing equipment and test systems, with emphasis on high precision, robustness, and ease of attachment to existing machines. Define sensing strategies for displacement measurement in the 1‑5 micron range, force sensing at Newton-level resolution, acoustic sensing for engine and equipment monitoring, and related high‑fidelity industrial measurements. Evaluate and develop sensor technologies such as MEMS‑based sensors, piezoelectric sensors, optical or laser displacement sensors, strain‑based force sensors, acoustic and ultrasonic sensors, vibration sensors, temperature sensors, and hybrid multi‑modal sensing packages. Architect compact, low‑power, ruggedized sensor nodes suitable for harsh manufacturing environments including vibration, heat, EMI, oil, dust, and cycle‑to‑cycle variation. Design and validate sensor packaging, mounting strategies, calibration methods, drift compensation methods, and signal‑conditioning approaches for factory deployment. Partner with controls, manufacturing, automation, and AI teams to ensure the sensor outputs are suitable for downstream real‑time analytics and digital twin applications. Conduct laboratory and plant‑floor experiments to benchmark resolution, repeatability, latency, reliability, battery life, and wireless performance. Develop technical roadmaps for next‑generation industrial sensing aligned to 5G/6G connectivity and Future Factory requirements. Support supplier engagement, prototype builds, test plans, technical reviews, and technology down‑selection. Required Qualifications Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Applied Physics, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field. 5+ years of industrial or applied research experience in precision sensors, instrumentation, industrial measurement systems, or smart connected devices. Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: Precision displacement sensing Force or strain measurement Acoustic or vibration sensing Industrial instrumentation MEMS sensor systems Wireless embedded sensing Strong understanding of sensor physics, signal conditioning, noise reduction, calibration, uncertainty analysis, and measurement-system design. Experience developing hardware for industrial or automotive environments. Hands‑on experience with data acquisition systems, embedded electronics, sensor interfaces, and experimental validation. Ability to translate manufacturing problems into measurable sensing requirements and deployable hardware solutions. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work across research, engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams. Preferred Qualifications PhD with specialization in advanced sensors, wireless sensing, or industrial instrumentation. Experience with 5G, private wireless networks, ultra‑reliable low‑latency communications, or edge‑connected sensor platforms. Experience with battery‑powered or energy‑efficient wireless sensor nodes. Familiarity with OPC UA, MQTT, industrial Ethernet, TSN, or edge‑to‑cloud telemetry frameworks. Experience with sensor fusion, anomaly detection, or AI/ML workflows for industrial process monitoring. Experience in automotive manufacturing, engine testing, welding, casting, assembly, or end‑of‑line validation. Experience with rugged product design, EMI/EMC considerations, and design‑for‑manufacturability. Key Skills and Competencies Precision sensing and instrumentation Wireless sensor architecture Embedded hardware development Signal processing and calibration Experimental design and validation Industrial deployment and machine integration Cross‑functional technical leadership Supplier and prototype management Success Profile A strong candidate for this role will be able to take a manufacturing measurement challenge, identify the right sensing mechanism, design a wireless industrial sensor architecture, validate precision and robustness, and create a path toward scalable deployment in a connected factory environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Optimal