School of Engineering - Project Staff (Robotics and Unmanned Systems)

Republic Polytechnic; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Republic Polytechnic in Singapore is seeking a Development Engineer/Specialist to push the boundaries of Physical and Embodied AI. You will design, prototype, and deploy AI-enabled physical systems, including robotics and autonomous platforms, using ROS2.0, integrating hardware and software to turn AI models into tangible capabilities.

You will mentor student projects, collaborate with industry and academia, and showcase innovations through live demos.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Robotics Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related quantitative field.
• Robotics Architecture: Hands-on ROS2 development; familiar with robotic arms, kinematics, dynamics and simulators (Gazebo, Isaac Sim).
• AI & Computer Vision: Experience deploying ML/DL models and OpenCV on physical platforms.
• Embedded Software: Proficiency in C++ and Python; Git and code-quality practices.
• Hardware & Edge: Experience with microcontrollers/edge devices; sensor fusion (LiDAR, IMUs, cameras).

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and deploy AI-enabled physical systems using ROS2.0.
• Integrate AI models with sensors, actuators, edge devices, and embedded systems.
• Drive feasibility studies and pilots for AI-enabled automation and unmanned systems.
• Lead end-to-end project support including data prep, experiments, evaluation and post-deployment support.
• Mentor student projects and collaborate with industry partners; lead live innovation showcases.

Skills

ROS2

C++

Python

Machine Learning

Computer Vision

Git

Education

Robotics Engineering or related field

Tools

Gazebo

Isaac Sim

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Job description

What the role is:

We are seeking a versatile and forward-thinking Development Engineer/Specialist to join our team in advancing the boundaries of Physical and Embodied AI. In this role, you will bridge the gap between intelligent software and the physical world, transforming AI models into tangible, autonomous capabilities. You will design, prototype, and deploy AI-enabled physical systems—such as robotics, unmanned platforms, and smart automation solutions—utilizing ROS2.0. You will also act as a bridge between technology, industry partners, and academia, fostering ecosystem growth through knowledge sharing, mentoring student projects, and leading live innovation showcases. If you are passionate about applied research, hands‑on hardware-software integration, and inspiring others, we want to hear from you.

What you will be working on:

1. Physical & Embodied AI Development
   • System Design & Prototyping: Design, develop, and prototype intelligent physical systems, robotics, and advanced automation platforms leveraging ROS2.0.
   • Hardware-Software Integration: Integration of advanced AI models, computer vision, and operational systems with sensors, actuators, edge devices, and embedded systems.
   • Applied Research & Piloting: Drive feasibility studies and pilot programs involving AI-enabled automation, unmanned systems (UAVs/AGVs), and smart monitoring solutions.
   • End-to-End Project Support: Manage the full lifecycle of applied research and proof-of-concept initiatives, including data preparation, rigorous experimentation, performance evaluation, comprehensive documentation, and post-deployment technical support.
   • Prototype Commercialization: Assist in translating high-potential AI prototypes into scalable, deployable, or licensable industry solutions.
2. Knowledge Sharing & Ecosystem Enablement
   • Educational Mentorship: Support curriculum development and actively mentor student capstone and research projects in robotics and applied AI domains.
   • Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner closely with internal researchers and external industry stakeholders on collaborative innovation initiatives.
   • Technology Advocacy: Lead and support engaging AI and robotics demonstrations for lab visits, innovation showcases, and executive partner engagements.
   • Use Case Curation: Synthesize and curate compelling physical AI use cases to engage, educate, and inspire both academic and industrial audiences.

What we are looking for:

• Qualification in Robotics Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related quantitative field.
• Robotics Architecture: Proven hands‑on experience developing with ROS2 (Robot Operating System). Familiarity with robotic arms and humanoid robots, robot kinematics, dynamics, and simulation tools (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac Sim) is highly valued.
• AI & Computer Vision Integration: Practical experience deploying Machine Learning/Deep Learning models (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and computer vision frameworks (e.g., OpenCV) onto physical platforms.
• Embedded Software Engineering: Proficiency in C++ and Python, with strong software development best practices (Git, clean architecture, code reviews).
• Hardware & Edge Systems: Experience working with microcontrollers and single-board computers (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi). Solid understanding of hardware communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN bus) and sensor fusion (LiDAR, IMUs, cameras).

Soft Skills & Core Attributes

• Collaborative Mindset: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams of engineers, researchers, students, and corporate partners.
• Communication & Presentation: Confident and articulate presenter capable of breaking down complex technical concepts into accessible demonstrations for non-technical audiences.
• Passion in Educational Mentorship: Guiding student learning journeys and contributing to educational frameworks.
• Adaptability: A thriving curiosity for ambiguous, fast-paced R&D environments where troubleshooting physical hardware requires creative problem‑solving.

About Republic Polytechnic

The first educational institution in Singapore to leverage the Problem-based Learning approach for all its diploma programmes, Republic Polytechnic (RP) has seven schools offering courses in Applied Science, Engineering, Business, Hospitality, Infocomm, Sports and Health, and Technology for Arts, Media and Design. To support Singapore’s national effort to promote continuous, lifelong learning, our Academy for Continuing Education (ACE) offers a wide range of part‑time programmes. We welcome you to grow with us! Discover a people- and family-oriented culture, where you are inspired to improve as you nurture lifelong learners. For more information from RP, please visit https://www.rp.edu.sg/careers or follow us on LinkedIn.