ML-Driven Soft Robotics Research Engineer

Singapore-ETH Centre; Singapore; Hybrid; SGD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave for fixed-term

Birthday Leave

Healthcare insurance

Hybrid work arrangement (up to 2 days

Job summary

Singapore-ETH Centre invites applications for a full-time researcher based in Singapore to design, build, and test soft robotic manipulation systems for automated baggage handling inside aircraft cargo holds.

The role combines mechanical design, soft actuation, fabrication, electronics, and control, with hands-on experimentation and rapid prototyping, under the Project Nyala consortium with CAAS/NUS partners.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience prototyping and building physical systems: CAD, fabrication, electronics, and robot integration.
• Experience with actuation, mechanisms, control, or embedded systems, and willingness to grow across robotics stack.
• Documented research output through a Master’s thesis or project, with strong English.
• Bias toward action: build, test, and iterate quickly instead of staying in simulation.
• Interest in interdisciplinary, experimental research and developing new skills.
• Collaborative mindset with drive to make a real impact.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and test soft robotic manipulation subsystems for baggage handling.
• Integrate sensing and control with ML algorithms for dexterous manipulation.
• Prototyping and iterating designs using real-world cargo hold mock-ups.
• Collaborate with aviation industry partners to translate research into operations.
• Work across mechanical design, actuation, fabrication, electronics, and control as a team.
• Contribute to design trade studies and system-level integration and validation.

Skills

Prototyping

CAD

Fabrication

Electronics

Robot integration

Robot programming

Machine learning

Education

Master's degree in mechanical engineering, robotics, or related field

PhD in robotics or related field

Tools

3D printing

Machining

ROS / robotics software

Job description

Singapore-ETH Centre invites applications for a full-time researcher based in Singapore to design, build, and test soft robotic manipulation systems for automated baggage handling inside aircraft cargo holds.

The role combines mechanical design, soft actuation, fabrication, electronics, and control, with hands-on experimentation and rapid prototyping, under the Project Nyala consortium with CAAS/NUS partners.