Research Engineer (Robotics) - KK1

Singapore Institute of Technology; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 110,000; Part time

Job summary

Singapore Institute of Technology is seeking a hands-on Research Engineer (Robotics) to develop, integrate, and deploy a vendor-agnostic robotics connectivity layer within a live logistics environment.

The role requires at least 5 years of experience in mechatronics, software, and project delivery, with strong C++, Python, and ROS/ROS 2 skills, plus practical experience with ROS middleware and industrial protocols. Fixed-term contract in Singapore, on-site engineering division.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field.
• Strong programming in C++ with Python and embedded C experience.
• Hands-on ROS/ROS 2 and robotics middleware experience.
• Experience integrating robots, PLCs, sensors and vision systems with industrial protocols.

Responsibilities

• Participate in and manage the research project with PI, Co-PI and team.
• Design, develop, and integrate the robotics connectivity layer using ROS 2.
• Develop and integrate station-level automation interfaces and data pipelines.
• Build conformance test tooling to validate vendor interfaces.
• Develop embedded software for data-capture endpoints and electronics bring-up.
• Support deployment, commissioning and site-acceptance testing at partner facility.
• Maintain documentation and version-controlled codebases.
• Coordinate with technical leads and vendors to keep schedule.

Skills

C++ programming

Python

Embedded C

ROS/ROS 2

Robotics middleware

Industrial protocols

Docker

Linux

Project management

Troubleshooting

Education

Degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering

Tools

ROS/ROS 2

Docker

Linux

Job description

Research Engineer (Robotics) - KK1

Posting Start Date: 18/08/2026

Schemes of Service: Research

Division: Engineering

Employment Type: Fixed Term

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. We are seeking a hands‑on Research Engineer to develop, integrate, and deploy a vendor‑agnostic robotics connectivity layer that links smart automation systems, sensors, and warehouse management platforms within a live logistics environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in and manage the research project with Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI and the research team members to ensure all project deliverables are met.
• Undertake these responsibilities in the project:
  • Design, develop, and integrate the robotics connectivity layer: middleware nodes, protocol interfaces (OPC UA, Modbus, MQTT), and data pipelines between automation systems, embedded devices, and backend systems, using ROS 2.
  • Develop station‑level integration across the programme's automation processes — interfacing robots, sensors, PLCs, and vision systems into a common, standards‑aligned framework.
  • Build and maintain conformance test tooling to validate that vendor systems and interfaces meet the programme's connectivity specifications.
  • Develop embedded software/firmware for data‑capture endpoints and support custom electronics bring‑up.
  • Support deployment, commissioning, and site‑acceptance testing at the industry partner's facility, including troubleshooting in a live operational environment.
  • Maintain technical documentation, interface specifications, and version‑controlled codebases to a standard that supports long‑term maintainability and knowledge transfer.
  • Coordinate with technical leads, the industry partner's engineering team, and vendors to keep integration on schedule.
• Carry out Risk Assessment, and ensure compliance with Work, Safety and Health Regulations.
• Coordinate procurement and liaison with vendors/suppliers.
• Work independently, as well as within a team, to ensure proper operation and maintenance of equipment.

Job Requirements

• Degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience spanning mechatronics, software development, and project delivery.
• Strong programming ability in C++ (primary), with working proficiency in Python; comfort with C for embedded work.
• Hands‑on experience with ROS/ROS 2 and robotics middleware concepts.
• Experience integrating industrial hardware — robots, PLCs, sensors, cameras — and familiarity with industrial communication protocols (OPC UA, Modbus, MQTT, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated project‑management capability: able to plan, track, and deliver technical work independently and coordinate across stakeholders.
• Practical, systems‑level troubleshooting skills across the hardware‑software boundary.

Key Competencies

• Familiarity with Open-RMF or robotics interoperability frameworks, and awareness of relevant standards (e.g. TR 130:2025).
• Embedded development on STM32/ESP32/RP-class microcontrollers; PCB bring‑up experience.
• Experience with containerised deployment (Docker), Linux systems, and networking fundamentals (segmentation, industrial networks).
• Exposure to computer vision or AI‑based inspection systems.
• Prior experience in logistics, warehouse automation, or manufacturing‑line integration.
• Experience working with or alongside an industry partner in an applied‑research or deployment setting.