Robotics Research Engineer, Manipulation and Control
Cambridge, MA
Research /
Full Time /
On-site
Mission:
Our mission is to solve the most important and fundamental challenges in AI and Robotics to enable future generations of intelligent machines that will help us all live better lives.
This role is about co-designing hardware and control for dynamic manipulation at human cadence. This role lays the foundation for a bimanual robot capable of operating with human-level cadence in contact, movement fluidity, and mechanical realism, pushing forward the boundaries of dynamic manipulation.
Overview:
We are seeking a candidate with deep expertise in robotics, mechanics, design, and control to help contribute to the architecture of our custom robot platform for dynamic manipulation. This role includes proposing, analyzing, and defining approaches that support the co-design between hardware and software components on the robot, and that enable an efficient robot software architecture and motion performance. The candidate must have a track record in building and controlling physical systems, and analyzing tradeoffs between development complexity and modularity.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design and implement software and control structures that enable exploiting dynamics in motion
- Build and refine systems from scratch, including hardware and software integration
- Analyze the applicability of novel hardware designs for the robot architecture
- Integrate robot mechanics and physics knowledge into code for high-precision, natural movement
- Translate theoretical principles of robotics, physics, and motor operation into practical system designs
- Collaborate with a cross functional team of researchers and engineers to make fundamental progress in dynamic robot manipulation.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong foundation in mechanical engineering, computer science, mechatronics, robotics, or related field
- Expertise in robot mechanics, motor fundamentals, and applied physics
- Proficiency in coding for robotic control (C++, Python, and ROS2)
- Experience in coordinating multi-motor systems and complex motion control
- Hands-on skills in building, assembling, and troubleshooting robotic hardware
- Ability to translate theory into practical implementations for novel and experimental robot hardware
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- 7 Years in Research and Development
- Background in humanoid robotics or complex dynamical systems with high degrees of freedom
- Knowledge of human biomechanics, motion, and modeling
- Formal work in software/hardware co-design and optimization
- A track record in contributing to leading venues in the field of robotics (Science Robotics, TRO, IJRR, RAL, ICRA, IROS, etc.)
EDUCATION:
- We are open to candidates with a variety of educational and professional backgrounds. Successful candidates typically meet one of the following profiles:
- PhD in robot design and controls, with a focus on systems-level approaches
- Master’s degree with several years of industry or applied research experience
- Bachelor’s degree with significant and relevant hands-on industry experience
$128,100 - $237,900 a year
The current reasonable and good faith estimate of the annual base salary range for this position is $128,100 - $237,900, which is based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, educational background and certifications, performance and qualifications, market demand for the role, geographic location, and other organizational needs. An individual candidate may be considered for this position at a different job level, in which case the appropriate salary range will be provided to the candidate after their qualifications have been established.
Employees who are new to the RAI Institute typically receive an offer that is between the minimum and the midpoint of the posted salary range to allow for growth within the range over time.
Base pay is part of a competitive total compensation package that may include an annual bonus, a long-term cash incentive, monthly cell phone cost reimbursement, commuter cost subsidy, medical benefits, and more.
Any final job offer will be determined based on our established compensation range for the role, the candidate’s experience and qualifications, internal parity, and market and business considerations. The advertised pay range is not a guarantee or promise of a specific wage.
We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
