Principal Physical AI Engineer, Multi-Robot & Swarm Systems (Ref 20269)

ST Engineering; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology firm located in Singapore is seeking a Principal Physical AI Engineer to develop and maintain multi-robot collaboration solutions. The ideal candidate should possess a Masters/PhD in relevant fields and have experience in decentralized protocols and swarm systems. This position offers the chance to work on innovative robotics challenges and is part of a flexible engineering culture.

Benefits

Opportunity to work on cutting-edge robotics systems

Flexible engineering culture

Hands-on robotics testing

Qualifications

• Masters/PhD in Computer Science or related field.
• Experience with multi-robot or swarm systems.
• Knowledge of Multi-Robot System Architecture.

Responsibilities

• Develop core multi-robot collaboration modules.
• Integrate robotics hardware drivers and sensors.
• Design real-time data pipelines.

Skills

Programming in Python

Programming in C++

Multi-Robot Systems

Robotics Fundamentals

Decentralised Interaction Protocols

Education

Masters/PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering

Tools

ROS2

Gazebo

Webots

Isaac Sim

Job description

Principal Physical AI Engineer, Multi‑Robot & Swarm Systems (Ref 20269)

We are looking for a Principal Physical AI Engineer with strong foundations in Multi‑Robot System (MRS) and Physical AI to help build next‑generation MRS/Swarm collaboration solutions. You will work on real‑time distributed/decentralised robotic planning, coordination, perception, communication, and infrastructure that enables autonomous teams of robots to operate collectively in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain core multi‑robot collaboration modules (multi‑robot task allocation, distributed data fusion, swarm behaviours, inter‑robot communication management, etc.).
• Integrate robotics hardware drivers, sensors, and simulation platforms (Gazebo/Ignition, Webots, Isaac Sim, etc.).
• Design and optimise real‑time data pipelines for robot‑to‑robot and robot‑to‑cloud messaging.
• Contribute to ROS2 nodes, services, actions, and build robust MRS autonomy stacks.
• Develop system tooling for visualization, debugging, logging, and telemetry.
• Prototype in simulation and validate on physical robotic platforms.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional robotics engineers (controls, perception, systems, AI/planning).
• Formulate the conceptual and detailed technical solution for the development of applications to meet customer requirements.
• Provide recommendations on relevant emerging technology in MRS/Swarm to senior management.
• Identify and lead strategic technical capability development for MRS/Swarm.
• Collaborate on research and development projects to explore new capabilities and applications for MRS/Swarm technology.

Minimum Requirements

• Masters/PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience building multi‑robot or swarm systems.
• Extensive knowledge of Multi‑Robot System Architecture such as Distributed Autonomous Systems, Multi‑Agent System, and Swarm.
• Deep knowledge of decentralised interaction protocols and swarm algorithms such as Contract Net Protocol (CNP), Petri Nets, Boids algorithm, and Particle Swarm Optimisation.
• Familiarity with robotics fundamentals: Distributed Data Fusion, SLAM, localisation, motion planning, control loops.

Preferred Requirements

• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++.
• Experience with Generative AI and/or Agentic AI frameworks.
• Experience with ROS2, microservices, or real‑time systems.
• Understanding of distributed systems or networking (pub/sub, DDS, gRPC, etc.).
• Familiarity with simulation tooling (Gazebo, Isaac Sim, Webots, Unity robotics, etc.).

Additional Skills

• Comfortable with rapid prototyping and research‑to‑production workflows.
• Strong debugging and system‑thinking mindset.
• Able to work independently and in a collaborative applied research environment.
• Curious, open to experimentation, and willing to push boundaries in autonomy.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge multi‑agent/swarm robotics systems with real‑world deployment.
• Exposure to both research‑driven and practical engineering challenges.
• Hands‑on robotics testing, both simulation and physical platforms.
• Flexible and innovation‑friendly engineering culture.