Engineer– Embodied AI Lab Automation: Vision-Guided Real Time Robotic Manipulation

Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC; Upton (NY); On-site; USD 71,900 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive employee benefits

Job summary

Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC is hiring an engineer to develop an automated protein crystal harvesting system at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) based in Upton, New York. This two-year term position will focus on vision-guided robotic manipulation and integration of perception outputs with motion planning, aiming to enhance the robustness of crystal harvesting processes.

The role offers a salary between $71,900 and $119,000 per year, commensurate with experience, and includes comprehensive employee benefits.

Qualifications

• B.S. in a relevant field required.
• Experience in robotics systems development necessary.
• Strong programming skills in Python or C++ are essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop vision-guided manipulation methods.
• Design closed-loop control pipelines using visual feedback.
• Collaborate with domain experts across disciplines.

Skills

Robotic system development

Programming skills in Python and/or C++

Knowledge of robotic kinematics

Calibration methods proficiency

Education

B.S. in Robotics, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

Tools

ROS2

MoveIt2

Job description

Job Overview

Brookhaven National Laboratory’s National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) is seeking an engineer to develop an automated protein crystal harvesting system at the Center for BioMolecular Structure (CBMS). This 2‑year term position offers the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vision‑guided real‑time robotic manipulation methods for crystal harvesting.
• Design and deploy closed‑loop perception and control pipelines using visual feedback.
• Contribute to vision‑based servoing approaches for precise, real‑time positioning.
• Integrate perception outputs with motion planning and execution using ROS2 and MoveIt2.
• Perform system calibration (hand‑eye calibration, camera calibration) to ensure accurate 3D spatial alignment.
• Evaluate and improve system robustness, including perception uncertainty and failure modes.
• Collaborate closely with domain experts across crystallography, controls, and engineering.
• Participate in system testing, tuning, and performance evaluation.
• Document methods and results; contribute to reports, publications, and presentations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• B.S. in Robotics, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing robotics systems.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++.
• Knowledge of robotic kinematics, coordinate transformations, motion planning, and trajectory generation.
• Proficiency with calibration methods.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• M.S. in Robotics, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience developing robotic systems that integrate vision‑guided control in real‑world settings.
• Proficiency with ROS2‑based ecosystems.
• Experience with camera calibration, hand‑eye calibration, and coordinate frame registration.
• Experience integrating machine learning models into robotics.
• Familiarity with micro‑manipulation, sensor fusion or state estimation, real‑time system debugging, and performance tuning.

Success Measures

• Development of a system capable of reliably detecting and localizing protein crystals.
• Implementation of closed‑loop robotic manipulation using visual feedback.
• Improved robustness and reliability of the crystal harvesting process under real‑world conditions.

Location & Compensation

On‑site position based at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York. Salary range: $71,900—$119,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Benefits are available to all employees and details are provided upon request.

Equal Opportunity

Brookhaven National Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status is prohibited.