Marine Robotics Engineer

Virginia Tech; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech's Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics (CMAR) seeks a Marine Robotics Engineer to design, develop, test, and deploy electrical, embedded, and software systems for autonomous underwater vehicles and marine platforms. You will translate project requirements into validated technical solutions while collaborating with faculty, researchers, and students.

The role emphasizes system integration, safety, and hands-on engineering work across electronics, firmware, sensors, and onboard

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical/computer engineering, robotics, CS, or related field.
• Experience with electrical, embedded, or robotic systems from coursework or projects.
• Programming in Python, C++, or MATLAB demonstrated in projects.
• Ability to interpret requirements and document engineering work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to follow lab and field safety requirements.
• Eligibility to access CUI; U.S. citizenship and potential security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy electrical, embedded, and software systems for AUVs and marine platforms.
• Translate project requirements into system designs, prototypes, and validated solutions.
• Collaborate with faculty, senior staff, students, and project partners on technical tasks.

Skills

Embedded systems

Robotics

C++

Python

MATLAB

Technical communication

Education

Bachelors in EE/CE/Robotics

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Linux

Git

Embedded firmware development

Job description

Job Description

The Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics (CMAR) at Virginia Tech seeks a Marine Robotics Engineer to design, develop, integrate, test, and deploy electrical, embedded, and software systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and related marine robotic platforms supporting sponsored engineering research. The position applies engineering principles to translate project requirements into assigned system designs, prototypes, and validated technical solutions. Working with faculty, senior engineering and research personnel, students, and project collaborators, the engineer will carry out defined technical assignments with professional judgment and appropriate review of designs, testing, and safety-critical decisions. Work includes embedded electronics, firmware, power and communications, sensors, actuators, onboard computing, robotic software, and system-level integration. The position is a restricted staff appointment contingent upon continued funding and satisfactory performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, robotics, computer science, or a closely related field, and/or an equivalent level of training and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical, embedded, or robotic systems gained through coursework, capstone projects, undergraduate research, internships, or employment.
• History of working ability to develop, test, or troubleshoot software using a programming language such as Python, C++, or MATLAB, demonstrated through academic or applied projects.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret technical requirements, document engineering work, analyze test results, and communicate findings within a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to follow laboratory and field safety requirements and work collaboratively on technical projects.
• This position requires eligibility to access and handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which requires U.S. citizenship. The position may also require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ROS/ROS2, Linux, Git, or embedded firmware development.
• Experience integrating sensors, actuators, motor controllers, onboard computers, or communications interfaces.
• Experience with marine robotic platforms, autonomous systems, field testing, or challenging-environment robotics.
• Experience with PCB design, autonomy, perception, localization, or system-level verification.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$80,000-$105,000, Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

November 25, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim(That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Cole Tankersleyat [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.