ARPA-H Robotics Engineer / Interdisciplinary Scientist

ZipRecruiter; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional services company in Washington is seeking a skilled Robotics Engineer to work with the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. Responsibilities include collaborating on autonomous technologies, guiding safety in design, and supporting research initiatives. A Ph.D. or related master's degree and programming proficiency are required. The role offers full-time employment, with remote options available.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Attractive benefits package

Remote work options

Qualifications

• Expertise in Robotics Engineering and interdisciplinary research.
• Experience with federal advanced research programs preferred.
• Ability to pass background investigation for federal clearance.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on autonomous robotic assistive technologies.
• Guide on design and safety challenges in robotics.
• Conduct market research and produce briefing documents.

Skills

Programming (Python, C++, Java, MATLAB)

Circuit design and embedded systems

Sensor and actuator integration

User-centered design principles

Strong team collaboration skills

Education

Ph.D. in relevant field

Master's degree with 5 years experience

Tools

Robotic operating systems

AI and machine learning methods

Job description

Overview

SD Solutions, LLC is a fast-growing professional services company, providing Cybersecurity, Strategy & Governance, IT Modernization, Management Consulting, and Professional Services solutions to large and small clients in the federal government sector. Our broad spectrum of services also includes digital & legacy transition, decommissioning, communications, event planning & logistics, and operations. It is our mission to deliver enduring results to our clients using strong business acumen, technical solutions, and management services. Our core values include quality, timeliness, integrity, trusted relationships, and corporate citizenship.

Position Overview:

This role offers a unique opportunity for a skilled scientist with expertise in Robotics Engineering and interdisciplinary research to contribute directly to the mission of the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). The selected candidate will serve as a technical advisor to an ARPA-H Program Manager, supporting the development and execution of a new, high-impact research initiative.

In this role, you will collaborate with the ARPA-H Program Manager and team to effectuate bold ARPA-H research initiatives, support the development, funding, and management of new and existing R&D programs to meet ARPA-H's mission to accelerate better health outcomes for everyone. More detailed requirements below.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to advance safe, affordable autonomous robotic assistive technologies that enhance mobility and independence for elderly and disabled individuals in real-world environments.
• Offer expert guidance on integrated robotics systems, addressing design, safety, and deployment challenges in applications involving direct physical interaction with humans, especially in healthcare and assistive contexts.
• Review and assess technical proposals for scientific quality and innovation; synthesize reviewer feedback, draft recommendations, and prepare clear summaries and presentation materials for decision-making.
• Conduct market research, technical evaluations, and literature reviews; produce concise briefing documents on autonomous mobile robots and exoskeletons for elderly and -focused healthcare applications.
• Prepare technical and administrative documentation under tight deadlines, detailing program objectives, progress, cost, schedule, and risk for advanced robotics initiatives supporting health and mobility outcomes.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in electrical, mechanical, or computer science; robotics; biomedical engineering; or a related field with at least years' experience; a master's degree in a related field with at least five years' experience acceptable.
• Proficiency in programming, including Python, C++, Java, and MATLAB for robotics and system-level development.
• Proficiency in circuit design, microcontroller programming, and embedded systems integration for robotic platforms.
• Proficiency in sensor and actuator integration, data fusion, and algorithms for localization, mapping, and motion planning.
• Knowledge of robotic operating systems for simulation, visualization, and component-level communication and control.
• Knowledge of AI and machine learning methods for autonomous decision-making and intelligent robotic behavior.
• Demonstrated experience applying user-centered design principles to engineer solutions driven by real-world customer needs.
• Strong team collaboration skills with excellent communication, technical writing, and organizational capabilities.
• Prior involvement with federal advanced research programs (ARPA-H, DARPA, IARPA, ARPA-E); prior involvement with commercial, academic, or U.S. Department of Defense research and development programs desired.
• Metro DC area; remote locations acceptable.
• Ability to successfully pass a background investigation and maintain a federal clearance.

Employment Type

• Full-time, W2 employment
• Exempt, salaried
• Eligible for paid benefits
• Remote is acceptable.

Clearance, Citizenship, and Work Location

• Clearance requirement: Active or able to obtain Public Trust.
• U.S. citizenship

SD Solutions Culture

We are a fast-growing company who puts people first. Our focus is on building the right team to provide exceptional services to our customers and to grow with our organization. We offer very competitive compensation and a very attractive benefits package. We believe in corporate citizenship and provide several levels of support to students, schools, teachers, and other organizations in our local community. If you are looking for a new opportunity to make a difference and build your career in a positive way, please join us. We\'re waiting for you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SD Solutions, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment based on an individual\'s color, creed, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, promotion, discipline, and termination. Whenever possible, SD Solutions makes reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by law.

Candidate Referral Program

SD Solutions wants to reward you for helping us identify qualified, talented professionals to join our team. Send us your friends and professional connections and we\'ll reward you with a cash bonus!

To submit a qualified referral, please visit our website. You\'ll need to send the candidate\'s contact information and/or resume to SD Solutions and include "Candidate Referral" in the subject line. Your referral must be an active candidate interested in new opportunities. You must include the candidate\'s full name and contact information (i.e., email address and phone number).

Please visit Careers - SD Solutions, LLC (sdsolutionsllc.com) for more details of the Candidate Referral Program.