Advanced Robotics Technician

Auckland University of Technology; Auckland; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Generous annual leave

Free study options

Professional development fund

Job summary

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a modern university renowned for research-led teaching and student-focused learning. The Advanced Robotics Technician role sits in AUT’s AI Acceleration Centre and offers hands-on work with Unitree G1 EDU humanoid and Go2 quadruped robots, developing capabilities in teleoperation, perception and LiDAR navigation.

The fixed-term, full-time position runs to 17 December 2027, based on campus, with mentoring from experienced staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in robotics, engineering or CS.
• Experience with robotics, automation or autonomous systems.
• Programming in Python and/or C++.
• Understanding of Linux and robotics development environments.
• Interest in simulation, sensors, LiDAR, autonomy, teleoperation or AI robotics.
• NZ driver’s licence and commitment to equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain AUT’s Unitree G1 EDU humanoid and Go2 quadruped robots.
• Prepare, transport and operate robots at AUT events and showcases.
• Safely control robots during live demonstrations using teleoperation or pre-programmed behaviours.
• Develop, integrate and test robot behaviours using Python and/or C++.
• Support teleoperation, manipulation, LiDAR navigation and autonomous behaviours.
• Use NVIDIA Isaac Lab/Sim for development and testing.
• Diagnose hardware/software issues and liaise with manufacturers for repairs.

Skills

Python

C++

Robotics

Linux

ROS/ROS2

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Robotics/Mechatronics/Engineering/Software Engineering/CS

Tools

NVIDIA Isaac Lab

NVIDIA Isaac Sim

Unitree platforms

Job description

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a young university with a strong focus on research-led teaching and an innovative, student-centric academic environment. Our mission is to produce great graduates who enter the workforce able to...

• Work hands-on with AUT’s Unitree G1 EDU humanoid and Go2 quadruped robots
• Develop and test capabilities including teleoperation, manipulation, LiDAR navigation and simulation
• Build practical experience across robotics, AI and emerging technologies in a highly varied role
• Fixed-term, full-time role until 17 December 2027, based at AUT’s [Campus]

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is New Zealand's newest university and one of its most distinctive. Centred on students and grounded in knowledge that works, AUT is 5-star rated by QS, with more than 27,000 students and 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. It's a place of real opportunity, where the values of Pono, Tika and Aroha shape how talented, progressive people work together – and you'll feel that in the culture, in the collaboration and in the difference the work makes for students, communities and the world.

Our community is stronger because of the role Te Tiriti plays in how we operate, and because Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership and contribution are central to who we are. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

The Advanced Robotics Technician will work within AUT’s AI Acceleration Centre, which brings together practical AI, robotics and digital technology initiatives across the University. The team works with researchers, professional staff, students and external partners to explore and apply emerging technologies in ways that support teaching, research, engagement and innovation across AUT.

We are looking for an Advanced Robotics Technician to join AUT in a fixed-term, full-time role until 17 December 2027.

This is a highly practical position working directly with AUT’s Unitree G1 EDU humanoid robots and Unitree Go2 quadruped robots. You will help develop, test, operate and demonstrate new robotic capabilities, while taking day-to-day responsibility for ensuring the robots are operational, safe and ready to use.

Current development work includes teleoperation, pick-and-place and manipulation tasks, LiDAR-based navigation and simulation using NVIDIA Isaac Lab, with plenty of scope to explore new behaviours, integrations and applications across both humanoid and quadruped platforms.

You will spend much of your time working directly with the robots in the lab, but the role also involves preparing, transporting and operating them at AUT events, demonstrations, showcases and other public-facing activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operating and maintaining AUT’s Unitree G1 EDU humanoid and Go2 quadruped robots and associated equipment.
• Preparing, transporting and operating robots at AUT events, demonstrations and showcases.
• Safely controlling robots during live demonstrations, including teleoperated and pre-programmed behaviours.
• Developing, integrating and testing new robot behaviours and capabilities using Python and/or C++.
• Supporting work involving teleoperation, manipulation, pick-and-place, LiDAR navigation and autonomous behaviours.
• Using simulation environments such as NVIDIA Isaac Lab to develop and test robotic applications.
• Diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, networking and sensor issues.
• Working directly with manufacturers on technical troubleshooting, software updates, repairs and replacement parts.
• Maintaining robot software, configurations, documentation, spare parts and associated equipment.
• Helping train other staff and students in safe robot operation and demonstration procedures.
• Ensuring all activities follow AUT’s robotics safety and risk management requirements.

You will work with AUT researchers, developers, technical staff and students across robotics, AI and digital technologies. You will also liaise directly with overseas manufacturers when specialist support is required.

The role offers significant hands-on experience with advanced robotic platforms and the opportunity to become one of AUT’s key robot operators, with guidance and mentoring from experienced technical staff as you build your skills and take on increasing responsibility.

At AUT you’ll be part of a values-led university with a strong, caring culture, flexible working, generous annual leave and support to thrive in your role and career. We provide the tools, trust, recognition frameworks and cultural capability development programmes to help you make a meaningful contribution.

AUT staff benefits also include free study options and a personal fund for professional development.

As a professional staff member at AUT, you’ll help our university thrive by improving services, supporting students and staff and driving practical improvements across our campuses. We’re looking for people with energy, curiosity and openness to new ideas who bring a collaborative, adaptable approach and contribute to a positive workplace culture.

You’ll also bring cultural humility and respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Indigenous peoples and diverse communities. Experience supporting Indigenous, equity or inclusion-focused initiatives is highly valued.

This role would suit someone with a strong practical interest in robotics and emerging technology who enjoys experimenting and troubleshooting, but is also comfortable getting out of the lab and demonstrating technology to others.

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer and Information Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience with robotics, automation, embedded systems or autonomous systems through coursework, research, projects, competitions or practical work.
• Experience programming in Python and/or C++.
• An understanding of Linux and robotics development environments.
• An interest in areas such as simulation, sensors, LiDAR, autonomous navigation, teleoperation, computer vision or AI-enabled robotics.
• Confidence working with people and operating technology in demonstrations, events and public-facing environments.
• A current New Zealand driver’s licence.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and support for AUT’s Te Aronui journey.

Experience with ROS/ROS2, NVIDIA Isaac Lab/Isaac Sim, Unitree or similar robotic platforms would be an advantage, but is not essential.

Start Date: Agreed with the successful candidate

Salary Range | Ngā Utu: $62,000 - $81,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 96649

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