Robotics and Autonomy Engineer (ESA)

The University of Texas at Austin; United States; On-site; USD 88,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid basic medical

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid holidays

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin seeks a Robotics and Autonomy Engineer to develop real-time autonomy and perception algorithms for Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles. You will join ATL in a full-cycle role from implementation to ocean testing and transition to Navy personnel.

Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, experience with ROS or autonomy stacks, strong Python/C++ skills, and Unix/Linux proficiency. U.S. citizenship and eligibility for security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science, Math, or 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.
• US Citizen; eligible for security clearance.

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.
• Collaborate on large projects with a high degree of ownership.
• Document work to support knowledge transfer.

Skills

Python

C/C++

ROS

Autonomy stacks

ML

Unix/Linux

US Citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Robotics/Engineering/CS/Math

Advanced degree in Engineering/Math/Applied Sciences

Tools

ROS

Job description

Robotics and Autonomy Engineer (ESA)

Hiring Department: Applied Research Laboratories

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

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 is 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.

Benefits

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

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) and 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.

Contact

Comments and Inquiries: Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services.

UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus