Robotics Engineering Fellow

ArcBest; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

ArcBest is seeking a Robotics Engineering Fellow to serve as the technical authority and strategic visionary for Vaux, establishing the enterprise-wide engineering standards and long-term technology roadmap. You will lead multi-million-dollar R&D initiatives, partner with executives, universities, and suppliers, and drive innovation across the logistics automation portfolio.

You will mentor senior engineers, define interfaces between platforms, and ensure cross-compatibility and safety

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field required.
• PhD with focus on Autonomous Systems, AI, or advanced Control Theory preferred.
• 15+ years of experience as a high-impact Robotics Engineer or equivalent.
• Proven track record in commercial scale robotic systems or hardware-software systems.

Responsibilities

• Architect long-term autonomy, control systems, and algorithmic frameworks for the fleet and automation portfolio.
• Define interfaces and infrastructure between robotic platforms for cross-compatibility.
• Lead compliance and risk management for robot design, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Mentor Senior and Lead Engineers to cultivate a culture of innovation and high performance.
• Bridge technical gaps across business functions to embed automation solutions.

Skills

Programming skills

Systems analysis

Sensors knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Engineering/CS

PhD in Autonomous Systems/AI/Control Theory

Tools

SolidWorks

ROS

Job description

Job Description

The Robotics Engineering Fellow serves as the technical authority and visionary for Vaux. This position defines the long-term strategic technology roadmap, leveraging foundational innovation modeling, mathematical modeling, and advanced automation principles to solve the logistics industry's most complex challenges. Rather than executing defined project tracks, the Robotics Engineering Fellow anticipates disruptive industry trends, conceptualizes next-generation autonomous systems, and establishes enterprise-wide engineering standards. This position works directly with senior executives, orchestrates multi-million dollar high-stakes R&D initiatives, and serves as an industry-wide thought leader to secure Vaux's competitive edge in logistics automation.

Responsibilities

• Architect the long-term autonomy, control systems, and algorithmic frameworks for Vaux's entire fleet and logistics automation portfolio.

• Define, manage, and govern the technical interfaces and foundational infrastructure between diverse robotic platforms to ensure seamless current and future cross-compatibility.

• Serve as the compliance and risk management authority for robot design, system safety, architecture, and regulatory standards across the enterprise.

• Define and manage the technical interfaces between robotic platforms for current and future development.

• Cultivate and lead strategic relationships with primary global technology vendors, research universities, and enterprise-level suppliers to accelerate innovation.

• Meet, consult, and align regularly with Executives and key clients to pitch technological breakthroughs, navigate macroeconomic barriers, and guide company strategy.

• Actively mentor and grow Senior and Lead Engineers, cultivating a high-performing culture of innovation, deep technical competency, and psychological safety under tight timelines.

• Bridge the technical gap across business functions, embedding advanced automation solutions smoothly within Vaux's broader operations.

• Clearly define and manage project success metrics on an ongoing basis even after the completion of projects.

• Maintain a positive attitude in a highly intense environment.

• Other duties and projects, as assigned.

Requirements

Education:

• Master's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, required

• PhD with focus on Autonomous Systems, AI, or advanced Control Theory, preferred

Experience:

• 15+ years of experience as a high-impact Robotics Engineer or equivalent job function.

• Proven track record in commercial scale robotic systems or hardware-software systems from early-stage conceptual R&D to high-volume deployment.

Computer Skills:

• Expert programming, systems analysis, and design skills, required

• In-depth knowledge and working experience of all kinds of sensors used in robotics, required

• Advanced Tooling Mastery such as SolidWorks skills and experience working with ROS, required

Additional Requirements:

• Understanding of organization, behavior, business practices, and inter-connectivity within ArcBest and its subsidiaries, required

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, required

• Project Management and excellent organizational skills, preferred

Other Details

Work Hours:

• Generally, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm with occasional irregular hours depending on workload.

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional (25%-50%)

Compensation:

• This is a salary position paid biweekly.

About Us

ArcBest is a multibillion-dollar integrated logistics company that's helped businesses build better supply chains for over a century. With 14,000+ employees across approximately 240 campuses and service centers, we connect owned assets, a broad brokerage network and innovative technology to deliver end-to-end supply chain solutions for customers around the world.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Vet/Disability