Lead Robotics Scientist: Motion Planning & Autonomy

Motion Control; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, TX, is seeking an experienced Robotics Engineer to lead development of advanced robotic systems for government and commercial clients. You will contribute to motion planning, perception, surface reconstruction, and hardware integration across industrial robots and mobile manipulators.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, project mentoring, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to deliver innovative automation solutions.

Qualifications

• Requires a robotics-related engineering degree.
• 5+ years of experience in robotic motion planning and robotic systems.
• 4+ years of strong software skills in C++ or Python.
• 2 years ROS experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel software solutions for robotic and automated systems and provide technical leadership to project teams.
• Design, build, hardware integration, debug and implement at client facilities.
• Prepare proposals and cost estimates.
• Interact with customers to promote new business and gather technical requirements for projects.
• Coordinate tasks with project managers and engineering staff.
• Lead motion planning, perception, and related robotics work.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Driver's license

Education

Robotics/Mechatronics/Mechanical/Software/CS degree

Tools

ROS

Job description

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, TX, is seeking an experienced Robotics Engineer to lead development of advanced robotic systems for government and commercial clients. You will contribute to motion planning, perception, surface reconstruction, and hardware integration across industrial robots and mobile manipulators.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, project mentoring, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to deliver innovative automation solutions.