Autonomous Rail Underframe Inspection Robot Engineer

Singapore Institute of Technology; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Singapore Institute of Technology invites applications for a Research Fellow / Research Engineer to advance an autonomous robotic platform for train underframe inspection. The role focuses on digitalization and intelligence of train operations and maintenance, conducting RD and system integration in real-world railway depot environments.

You will develop localization, navigation, path planning, sensor fusion, and integrate cameras, LiDAR, and other inspection hardware with ROS/ROS2,

Qualifications

• PhD preferred for Research Fellow; Master/Bachelor with relevant experience for Research Engineer.
• Hands-on field robotics experience, especially in industrial inspection or autonomous mobile robots.
• Strong knowledge in autonomous robots, ROS/ROS2, SLAM/localization, navigation, planning, sensor fusion, LiDAR and depth sensing, and hardware integration.
• Proficient programming in C++ and/or Python.
• Experience with edge computing platforms and robotic sensors is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop an autonomous robotic system for train underframe inspection.
• Develop algorithms for localization, navigation, planning, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous missions in complex depots.
• Integrate cameras, illumination, depth sensors, LiDAR, actuators, computing devices onto the platform.
• Integrate software and hardware modules into an end-to-end prototype.
• Conduct laboratory and on-site trials to evaluate navigation accuracy and inspection coverage.
• Collaborate with railway operators and industry partners to translate procedures into autonomous workflows.
• Prepare technical reports, publications, and demonstrations.

Skills

Robotics

Mechatronics

Autonomous robots

ROS/ROS2

SLAM

Localization

Path planning

Sensor fusion

LiDAR

C++/Python

HW integration

Education

PhD in Robotics

Master's in Robotics

Bachelor's in related field

Tools

Cameras

LiDAR

Depth sensors

IMUs

Edge computing

Job description

Job Description

Research Fellow/Engineer (Inspection Robot) - FG

Posting Start Date: 17/08/2026

Schemes of Service: Research

Division: Infocomm Technology

Employment Type: Fixed Term

Research Fellow / Research Engineer (Inspection Robot)

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow / Research Engineer to join a research project on the digitalization and intelligence of train operations and maintenance. The project aims to develop an intelligent robotic system capable of autonomously conducting comprehensive underframe inspections of trains, reducing reliance on manual inspection while improving inspection efficiency, consistency, safety, and traceability.

The successful candidate will conduct the research and development of the autonomous robotic platform and its system integration, working closely with researchers, railway operators, train manufacturers, and industry partners to develop and validate the system in real-world railway depot environments.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Research, design, and develop an autonomous robotic system for train underframe inspection.
• Develop algorithms for robot localization, navigation, path planning, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous mission execution in complex and constrained railway depot environments.
• Work with other team members to design robotic software architecture, and integrate cameras, illumination systems, depth sensors, LiDAR, actuators, computing devices, and other inspection hardware onto the robotic platform.
• Work with other team members to integrate robotic hardware, navigation, perception, AI, and inspection modules into an end-to-end prototype.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and on-site trials in railway depot environments and evaluate the system in terms of navigation accuracy, inspection coverage, reliability, efficiency, safety, and robustness.
• Work closely with railway operators and industry partners to translate existing underframe inspection procedures into autonomous robotic workflows.
• Prepare technical reports, research publications, presentations, demonstrations, and other project deliverables.
  
  

Requirements

Applicants should preferably have:

• A PhD degree for Research Fellow, or Master's/Bachelor's degree with relevant experience for Research Engineer, in Robotics, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Relevant hands-on experience in field robotics, preferably involving industrial inspection, autonomous mobile robots, or other real-world robotic applications.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in one or more of the areas, including: autonomous mobile robots, ROS/ROS2, SLAM and localization, robot navigation and path planning, robot control, sensor fusion, LiDAR and depth sensing, robot hardware and system integration, good programming skills in C++ and/or Python.
• Experience with edge computing platforms, cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, or related robotic sensors would be advantageous.
• Strong problem-solving and experimental skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with academic researchers and industry partners.