Robotics and Autonomy Engineer (ESA)

University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 89,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's Applied Research Laboratories seeks a Robotics and Autonomy Engineer (ESA) to develop real-time autonomy and perception algorithms for uncrewed underwater vehicles, with field tests from lakes to oceans. Located at the Pickle Research Campus, this role spans implementation, testing, and transitioning capabilities to Navy sailors.

You will work in a collaborative team, apply ROS and ML techniques, and ensure robust software in Unix/Linux environments, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science, Math, or a related field.
• Experience with robotics or autonomous vehicles through coursework, internships, personal projects, or research (e.g., ROS, autonomy stacks, ML).
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++ (object-oriented).
• Comfortable working with Unix/Linux.

Responsibilities

• Develop autonomy algorithms that use sonar data for obstacle avoidance, aid multi-agent decision making, and dynamic replanning in complex underwater environments
• Design perception algorithms that increase vehicle situational awareness
• Analyze sonar and navigation data to identify algorithm improvements
• Test algorithms in water including local lake testing and field tests in the ocean, harbors, or rivers
• Collaboration on large projects with a high degree of ownership
• Document work to support knowledge transfer
• Other related functions as assigned

Skills

Robotics experience

Python

C/C++

Unix/Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

ROS

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Robotics and Autonomy Engineer (ESA)

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Hiring Department:

Applied Research Laboratories

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

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Job Details:

Purpose

Develop autonomy and perception algorithms for Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles to be executed in real-time, fully underwater, and for real world applications. in the Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL). You will be part of the development cycle from initial implementation, to testing in the ocean, harbors, and rivers, and finally to transitioning those capabilities to Navy sailors.

Responsibilities

• Develop autonomy algorithms that use sonar data for obstacle avoidance, aid multi-agent decision making, and dynamic replanning in complex underwater environments
• Design perception algorithms that increase vehicle situational awareness
• Analyze sonar and navigation data to identify algorithm improvements
• Test algorithms in water including local lake testing and field tests in the ocean, harbors, or rivers
• Collaboration on large projects with a high degree of ownership
• Document work to support knowledge transfer
• Other related functions as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science, Math, or a related field
• Experience with robotics or autonomous vehicles through coursework, internships, personal projects, or research. (eg. ROS, autonomy stacks, ML)
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++ (object-oriented)
• Comfortable working with Unix/Linux

US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the project requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Math or Applied Sciences with emphasis in autonomous vehicles, robotics, learning systems, data analysis, or related field
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0.

General Notes

An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays

Salary Range

$88,500-$120,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Some weekend, evening and holiday work
• Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest
• Unofficial college transcripts

Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.