Robotics Automation Engineer (Research and Early Development)

Sharp Decisions; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Sharp Decisions in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Robotics Automation Engineer for Research and Early Development to advance prototype robotics systems onsite. You will lead design iterations, prototyping, and testing to meet project goals in an agile environment.

The role emphasizes integrating motion control and machine vision for calibration and robot guidance, with hands-on experience in robotics/automation and CAD tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a directly related discipline plus 8 years of relevant experience
• Master's degree in a directly related discipline plus 4 years of related experience
• PhD in a directly related discipline plus 2 years of related experience

Responsibilities

• Applies advanced engineering knowledge to research projects, typically related to process automation and integration.
• Participates in defining new components, products, or processes, typically for pathology laboratory applications.
• Creates potentially patentable components, systems, or processes.
• Receives general direction and exercises considerable discretion regarding work details.
• Performs simulations, analyses, and experiments to test hypotheses related to project outcomes.
• Designs, builds, and tests prototype hardware and software systems to achieve defined goals.
• Prepares and delivers presentations of project results and presents data to diverse audiences.
• Participates in project planning as part of a cross-functional agile technical team.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Robotics engineering

Motion control

Machine vision

Sensing and coordinate systems

CAD/SolidWorks

Prototyping hardware/software

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related discipline

Master's degree in a related discipline

PhD in a related discipline

Tools

ABB RobotStudio

SolidWorks

PID control tools

EtherCAT/Profinet tools

Job description

Robotics Automation Engineer (Research and Early Development)

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor in Engineering (Robotic's Preferred)

Note

Previous final interview reject reason: we are looking for, primarily in prototyping integrating motion control and robotics systems, use of machine vision for calibration, and general robotics/physical AI.

Summary/Overview

Applies diversified knowledge of design principles, practices, and implementation in complex systems and assignments. General responsibilities include concept generation, prototyping, detailed design, and testing to assess performance against project objectives. Works as part of an agile research engineering team, making independent decisions and exercising technical judgment to achieve generally defined project goals. Iterates designs based on feedback and user testing.

Responsibility Statements

• Applies advanced engineering knowledge to research projects, typically related to process automation and integration.
• Participates in defining new components, products, or processes, typically for pathology laboratory applications.
• Creates potentially patentable components, systems, or processes.
• Receives general direction and exercises considerable discretion regarding work details.
• Performs simulations, analyses, and experiments to test hypotheses related to project outcomes.
• Designs, builds, and tests prototype hardware and software systems to achieve defined goals.
• Prepares and delivers presentations of project results and presents data to diverse audiences.
• Participates in project planning as part of a cross-functional agile technical team.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications / Work Experience

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in a directly related discipline plus 8 years of relevant experience; OR
• Master's Degree in a directly related discipline plus 4 years of related experience; OR
• PhD in a directly related discipline plus 2 years of related experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expert knowledge of principles and concepts related to robotic and mechatronic engineering, motion control, sensing, and coordinate systems.
• Creative and independent thinker with the ability to work effectively in a research environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Hands-on experience with assembly and robotics/automation systems.
• Experience with mechanical, electrical, and software prototyping.
• Experience with robot software, preferably ABB RobotStudio.
• Experience with motion control systems, including stepper motors, servo control, encoders, and feedback systems.
• Experience with machine vision for object detection and/or robot guidance.
• Experience with CAD software preferred, preferably SolidWorks.
• Experience in the diagnostic industry and/or pathology laboratory environment is beneficial but not required.
• Experience with electronic control systems, including PID control, PLC, and industrial control.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols, including Profibus, EtherCAT, Profinet, RS-485, or similar technologies.
• Preferred experience with industrial networks, including switches, Fortinet, routers, and TCP/IP.
• Preferred experience with robotic calibration through machine vision, including fiducials, ArUco tags, AprilTags, or similar technologies.

Specific Licenses, Certificates, or Other Credentials

None required.

Travel Requirements

None. This position is 100% onsite in Tucson, Arizona.