Research Engineer (Control of Origami-based Soft Actuator Modules)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

National University of Singapore is seeking a Research Engineer to work on controlling origami-based soft actuator modules. This role involves developing controllers for individual and assemblies of soft actuator modules and validating them on hardware platforms.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in control systems, experience in robotics, and the potential to publish research findings. Good communication skills are essential, as the role includes writing research reports and presentations.

Qualifications

• Experience with both classical and learning-based control methods.
• Simulation experience for actuator systems.
• Ability to conduct literature reviews and summarize findings.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust controllers for soft actuator modules.
• Implement and validate controllers on hardware prototypes.

Skills

Control systems

Robot actuator control

Good writing/spoken communication skills

Job description

Job Title: Research Engineer (Control of Origami-based Soft Actuator Modules)

University-Level Unit: College of Design and Engineering

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Mechanical Engineering

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Posting Start Date: 29/06/2026

Job Description

This position involves working on a project related to the control of origami-based soft actuator modules for simple kinematic tasks. The objective of this position includes contributing to the design, development, and implementation of such a controller on actual hardware platforms. The role involves the opportunity to work with the PI’s team within the National University of Singapore. The successful candidate will be self‑motivated with an outstanding track record in robotics, control, or related disciplines, with a special focus for actuator modelling and control.

Responsibilities

• Developing robust conventional and learning‑based controllers for control of both individual and assemblies of soft actuator modules.
• Implementing the controllers on a hardware prototype and validate robustness to different module sequences and task‑specific transitions.

Qualifications

• A background of control systems and experience with robot actuator control based on classical and learning‑based methods.
• Basic simulation experience for actuator systems.
• Literature review/summarizing skills.
• Experience with implementation of control algorithms on hardware (in particular, soft robotic actuation).
• Experience publishing papers, and supervising undergraduate/master’s students.
• Good writing/spoken communication skills for the purpose of writing research reports and presentations.

Req ID: 33553