Robotics Research Assistant in Industrial Automation

ETH Zurich; Zürich; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ETH Zurich's Advanced Manufacturing Lab is seeking a Scientific Assistant to advance research in industrial robotics, automated manufacturing, and metrology. The role combines hands-on hardware work with software development for robot control and data analysis.

You will lead the development and deployment of robotic solutions, collaborate with researchers and partners, and contribute to publications while exploring advanced manufacturing challenges.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience programming, operating, or integrating robotic systems, gained through research, academic projects, or industry.
• Strong programming skills, particularly in Python and C++, with experience in developing and maintaining software for robotics and automation.
• A solid understanding of robotic kinematics, coordinate transformations, motion planning, and control principles.
• Practical experience with robotic hardware, including the integration, configuration, or troubleshooting of sensors, actuators, end-effectors, or mechanical components.
• Proficiency with Git and version control, along with familiarity with software testing and CI/CD workflows.
• Experience with experimental work, data acquisition, and analysis of measurement data.
• The ability to independently solve technical problems, combined with creativity, initiative, and a systematic approach to engineering challenges.
• A strong interest in scientific research and the development of innovative robotic technologies.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken.
• Knowledge of German is an advantage

Responsibilities

• Independently develop, program, and operate industrial robotic systems for automated manufacturing and manipulation tasks
• Design and implement robotic applications, including pick-and-place operations, welding, adhesive bonding, drilling, and related manufacturing processes
• Integrate robotic hardware, including end-effectors, sensors, measurement equipment, tooling, and peripheral systems
• Develop and maintain software for robot control, motion planning, and automation, using version control, automated testing, and deployment workflows
• Design and implement automated data acquisition and processing workflows to collect, synchronize, visualize, and analyze robotic and manufacturing process data
• Integrate metrology and sensing technologies to evaluate and improve robot positioning accuracy, calibration, repeatability, and process quality
• Independently plan and conduct experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, and evaluate system performance
• Contribute to scientific research by developing and validating novel methods, analyzing experimental results, and preparing scientific publications
• Collaborate with researchers, students, and industrial partners on robotics and manufacturing projects

Skills

Python

C++

Git

ROS/ROS 2

Kinematics

Education

Master's degree in Robotics or related field

Tools

Linux

Docker

GitLab CI/CD

GitHub Actions

CAD

Measurement equipment

Job description

ETH Zurich's Advanced Manufacturing Lab is seeking a Scientific Assistant to advance research in industrial robotics, automated manufacturing, and metrology. The role combines hands-on hardware work with software development for robot control and data analysis.

You will lead the development and deployment of robotic solutions, collaborate with researchers and partners, and contribute to publications while exploring advanced manufacturing challenges.