Research Scientist I – Marine Robotics

Virginia Tourism Corporation; Suffolk (VA); In loco; USD 90.000 - 120.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

Virginia Tech's Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics (CMAR) is seeking a Research Scientist to design, develop, and deploy electrical and software systems for autonomous underwater vehicles and marine robots. The role involves embedded electronics, power and sensors, onboard computing, and robotics software integration.

You will work with faculty, researchers, and industry partners on design, laboratory testing, field deployment, and dissemination of results through publications and

Competenze

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant engineering field.
• Experience designing, developing, and testing robotic systems for marine or similarly challenging environments.
• Proficiency in C++, Python, MATLAB, Linux/Ubuntu and ROS/ROS2; strong version control (Git).
• Ability to work both independently and in multidisciplinary engineering and research teams.

Mansioni

• Design, develop, integrate, test, and deploy electrical and software systems for autonomous underwater and marine robotic platforms.
• Work across embedded electronics, power/communications, sensors/actuators, onboard computing, and software integration.
• Document results, prepare reports and proposals, and disseminate findings via talks and publications.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, industry partners, and sponsors; support field deployment and demonstrations.

Conoscenze

C++

Python

MATLAB

ROS/ROS2

Linux (Ubuntu)

Git

Embedded systems

Electrical subsystems

Formazione

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering / Robotics / CS

Bachelor’s degree + 5 years post-bachelor experience

Strumenti

ROS

Ubuntu

Descrizione del lavoro

Job Description

The Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics (CMAR) at Virginia Tech is seeking a Research Scientist to support the development and operation of advanced marine robotic systems. The successful candidate will be a hands‑on engineer responsible for designing, developing, integrating, testing, and deploying electrical and software systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and other marine robotic platforms.

The position will involve work across multiple levels of the system, including embedded electronics and firmware, power and communications systems, sensors and actuators, onboard computing, robotic software, and system-level integration. The Research Scientist will work closely with faculty, research staff, graduate students, industry partners, and government sponsors to develop and demonstrate new capabilities for marine robotic systems.

The successful candidate will contribute to sponsored research projects from initial design and development through laboratory testing, field deployment, and demonstration. Responsibilities will also include technical documentation, research reporting, proposal development, and dissemination of research results through technical presentations and scholarly publications.

This position requires eligibility to access and handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which requires U.S. citizenship. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a closely related engineering discipline, or bachelor’s with + 5 years post‑bachelor’s experience.
• Experience designing, developing, and testing robotic systems for marine environments (or similarly challenging environments), including:
  • Development, integration, and testing of software.
  • Development, integration, and testing of electrical subsystems.
  • Integration of embedded systems, microcontrollers, and onboard computers.
  • Hardware, software, and electrical systems integration.
  • Field deployment, operation, and testing.
• Experience with relevant technologies in the context of robotic systems for marine environments (or similarly challenging environments), including:
  • C++, Python, MATLAB, or other relevant programming languages.
  • Ubuntu or similar Linux distributions.
  • ROS, ROS2, or comparable robotics software frameworks.
  • Git or comparable version control software.
  • Serial communications, Ethernet, CAN, or other communication protocols commonly used in robotic systems.
  • Motor controllers, actuators, sensors, power electronics, battery systems, and communications systems commonly used in robotic systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering and research teams.
• US Citizen.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing printed circuit boards and electronic systems.
• Experience developing embedded firmware for microcontrollers.
• Experience designing unmanned underwater vehicles.
• Experience planning and executing field deployments of unmanned underwater vehicles.
• Experience with robotic perception, planning, control, localization, or other autonomous system capabilities.
• Record of peer‑reviewed scholarly publications.
• Experience working on federally sponsored research projects or collaborating with industry or government research partners.
• Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate student researchers.
• Strong communication skills.

Pay Band

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Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$90,000-$120,000, Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

November 11, 2026 - open until filled.

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 Tankersley at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.