Hardware Engineer, Tactile Sensing Research, DeepMind

Google Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 212,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Google DeepMind in Cambridge, MA seeks a Hardware Engineer, Tactile Sensing Research, to invent and validate novel sensing modalities for dexterous manipulation across robot platforms.

You will bridge materials science and sensing, design thin conformal sensor arrays, and collaborate with AI researchers to validate sensors in simulation-to-reality environments. This role emphasizes foundational research and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 4 years of experience working on tactile sensing or flexible electronics.

Responsibilities

• Own the exploration and design of novel tactile sensing modalities tailored for a versatile suite of custom robotic manipulators.
• Utilize expert simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, Ansys) to model the complex interactions between materials and sensing elements.
• Define technical fabrics and elastomeric substrates with specific mechanical properties and implement manufacturing techniques to prototype novel sensor arrays.
• Partner with AI researchers to align sensor hardware with manipulation algorithms, ensuring tactile data is effectively utilized for closed-loop control across various form factors.
• Establish testing protocols to evaluate sensor performance in simulation-to-reality environments across multiple manipulation platforms.

Skills

Tactile sensing

Flexible electronics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering

PhD in Materials Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering

Tools

COMSOL

Ansys

Job description

Hardware Engineer, Tactile Sensing Research, DeepMind

DeepMind Cambridge, MA, USA

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 4 years of experience working on tactile sensing or flexible electronics.

Preferred qualifications:

• PhD in Materials Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a relevant technical field.
• 8 years of experience with published contributions to the field of tactile sensing or flexible electronics.

About the job

As a Tactile Sensing Researcher, you will not only select off-the-shelf sensors; you will invent, design, and validate novel transduction methods. You are a first-principles researcher that understands how material properties can be utilized to create novel sensing solutions. You will bridge the gap between material science and sensing, creating thin, conformal sensing arrays adaptable to a range of end effectors in support of our dexterous manipulation research across many robot embodiments.

Artificial intelligence will be one of humanity’s most transformative inventions. At Google DeepMind, we are a pioneering AI lab with exceptional interdisciplinary teams focused on advancing AI development to solve complex global challenges and accelerate high-quality product innovation for billions of users. We use our technologies for widespread public benefit and scientific discovery, ensuring safety and ethics are always our highest priority.

We are pushing the boundaries across multiple domains. Our global teams offer diverse learning opportunities and varied career pathways for those driven to achieve exceptional results through collective effort. Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $212000 - $230000 (USD) + 15% bonus target

Learn more about benefits at Google.

• Own the exploration and design of novel tactile sensing modalities tailored for a versatile suite of custom robotic manipulators.
• Utilize expert simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, Ansys) to model the complex interactions between materials and sensing elements.
• Define technical fabrics and elastomeric substrates with specific mechanical properties and implement manufacturing techniques to prototype novel sensor arrays.
• Partner with AI researchers to align sensor hardware with manipulation algorithms, ensuring tactile data is effectively utilized for closed-loop control across various form factors.
• Establish testing protocols to evaluate sensor performance in simulation-to-reality environments across multiple manipulation platforms.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents‑to‑be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy, Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal, Belonging at Google, and How we hire.

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.