Robotics Engineering Fellow

ArcBest; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

ArcBest is seeking a Robotics Engineering Fellow to define the long-term strategic technology roadmap for its robotics portfolio. This role acts as a technical visionary, shaping enterprise standards, and guiding multi-million dollar R&D initiatives across the organization.

Candidates will demonstrate a 15+ year track record in high-impact robotics, experience with autonomous systems, ROS, SolidWorks, and complex hardware-software integration.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; PhD preferred in autonomous systems/AI/control theory.
• Proven track record as a robotics engineer with commercial-scale systems experience.
• Expertise in programming, systems analysis, and robotics sensing hardware.

Responsibilities

• Architect long-term autonomy and control frameworks for the robotics portfolio.
• Define interfaces between robotic platforms for current and future development.
• Lead relationships with vendors, universities, and suppliers to accelerate innovation.
• Mentor senior engineers and promote a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Align with executives and clients to guide company strategy on tech breakthroughs.
• Ensure project metrics are defined and met, even after project completion.

Skills

Expert programming

Systems analysis

Design skills

Education

Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

PhD in Autonomous Systems or AI or advanced 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.
• Proventrack record in commercial scale robotic systems or hardware-software systems from early-stage conceptual R&D to high-volume deployment.

Computer Skills:

• Expertprogramming, systems analysis, and design skills, required.
• In-depthknowledge and working experience of all kinds of sensors used in robotics, required.
• AdvancedTooling Mastery such as SolidWorks skills and experience working with ROS, required.

Additional Requirements:

• Understandingof organization, behavior, business practices, and inter-connectivity within ArcBest and its subsidiaries, required.
• Demonstratedleadership capabilities, required.
• ProjectManagement 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 250 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.

Our people make the difference. From customer service and operations to technology, sales and logistics professionals, every employee plays a role in supporting customers and solving complex logistics challenges. It's the kind of people-first culture that 's earned recognition as a Best Company to Work For by U.S. News & World Report and one of America's Best Employers for Company Culture by Forbes.

At ArcBest, you're part of a team grounded in our core values: Creativity, Integrity, Collaboration, Growth, Excellence and Wellness. Whether you're starting your career or bringing years of experience, you'll find opportunities to learn, grow and make an impact.