Research Hardware Engineer, Tactile Sensing, DeepMind

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

Job summary

Google DeepMind is seeking a Tactile Sensing Researcher to invent, design, and validate novel transduction methods for dexterous robotic manipulation. You will bridge material science and sensing, creating thin, conformal arrays for various end effectors.

As part of a pioneering AI lab, you will collaborate across disciplines to push boundaries in tactile sensing, with emphasis on safety and ethical considerations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in a technical field.
• 4 years of experience in tactile sensing or flexible electronics.

Responsibilities

• Own the exploration and design of tactile sensing modalities for robotic manipulators.
• Model sensor-material interactions using simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, Ansys).
• Define fabrics and elastomeric substrates with mechanical properties and prototype sensors.
• Collaborate with AI researchers to align sensing hardware with manipulation algorithms.
• Establish testing protocols for simulation-to-reality evaluation across platforms.

Skills

Tactile sensing

Flexible electronics

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Minimum 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.

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

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.