Post Doctoral Fellow - Mechanical Engineering - (497019 )

University of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Houston seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mechanical Engineering to advance an automated robotic system for surface damage detection and additive repair. The project combines 3D scanning, computational geometry, and collaborative robot control into an end-to-end pipeline—from scanning and damage detection through toolpath generation and robot-executed repair.

The postdoc will work across both the algorithms and hands-on robotics sides of the project, developing

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or closely related field.
• Strong Python and C/C++ skills with hands-on research.
• Background in computational geometry and 3D data processing.
• Hands-on experimental research experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms for 3D surface damage detection and repair surface reconstruction.
• Program and operate a collaborative robot arm for scanning and material deposition.
• Implement calibration routines, coordinate transforms, and robot motion strategies.
• Conduct physical experiments to validate system performance on test specimens.
• Develop Python/C++ software tools for pipeline automation and operator interfaces.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and support proposal writing.

Skills

Python programming

C/C++ programming

Computational geometry

Experimental research

Robotics knowledge

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering / Robotics / related field

Tools

ROS

Collaborative robot control

Job description

Department: MechanicalEngineering Salary: Commensurate withExperience/Education

Description

Possesses, understands, and applies a comprehensive knowledge inarea of specialization. Develops understanding and skills to allowfor completion of assignments that cross fields of specialization.Develops leadership and management skills.

1. Receives/Reviews progress and evaluates results of experimentsor projects under control or supervisory responsibility.


2. Recommends changes in research, testing or experimentalprocedures.


3. May be responsible for a single highly technical and complexpiece of research equipment.


4. May review and evaluate the effectiveness of personnel.


5. May plan for and assign personnel to projects undercontrol.


6. Operates with latitude for unreviewed action.


7. May receive general supervision conferring with higher levelsonly in unusual situations.


8. Performs other job-related duties as required.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on anautomated robotic system for surface damage detection and additiverepair. The project combines 3D scanning, computational geometry,and collaborative robot control into an end-to-end pipeline — fromscanning and damage detection through toolpath generation androbot-executed repair. The postdoc will work across both thealgorithms and hands-on robotics sides of the project.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms for 3D surface damage detection, repairsurface reconstruction, and conformal toolpath planning


• Program and operate a collaborative robot arm for automatedscanning and material deposition


• Implement calibration routines, coordinate transforms, and robotmotion strategies


• Conduct physical experiments to validate system performance ontest specimens


• Develop software tools (Python, C++) for pipeline automation andoperator interfaces


• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and support proposalwriting

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or closely relatedfield


• Strong Python skills; working knowledge of C/C++


• Background in computational geometry, 3D mesh/point cloudprocessing, or sensor-robot calibration


• Hands-on experimental research experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with robot programming and control


• Experience with additive manufacturing, cold spray, or thermalspray


• Familiarity with 3D scanning systems or robot SDKs (ROS, vendorAPIs)


• Background in surface metrology or defect detection

MQ: Requires singular knowledge of a specialized advancedprofessional discipline or the highest level of general businessknowledge, normally acquired through attainment of a directlyjob-related terminal degree or equivalent formal training in arecognized field of specialization that is directly related to thetype of work being performed. No experience is required.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are securitysensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are EqualOpportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.