Robotics Engineering Fellow - Vaux

ArcBest | Vaux; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

ArcBest aims to redefine logistics with a Robotics Engineering Fellow who will shape the long-term technology roadmap and drive multi-million dollar R&D initiatives. You will lead autonomy, control systems, and cross-platform interfaces, guiding enterprise standards and mentoring senior engineers in a high-stakes environment.

You must have 15+ years in robotics, with a PhD preferred in autonomous systems or AI, and a strong track record in commercial-scale robotics.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, CS, or related field.
• PhD in Autonomous Systems, AI, or advanced Control Theory preferred.
• 15+ years of high-impact robotics engineering experience.
• Proven track record in commercial-scale robotic systems.

Responsibilities

• Architect long-term autonomy, control systems, and algorithms for Vaux's fleet.
• Define interfaces between robotic platforms for cross-compatibility.
• Serve as compliance and risk authority for robot design and safety.
• Lead relationships with global tech vendors and researchers.
• Engage with Executives and clients to discuss breakthroughs and strategy.
• Mentor Senior and Lead Engineers; foster innovation and high performance.
• Bridge tech gaps to integrate automation across operations.
• Define and track project success metrics post-delivery.
• Maintain composure in high-pressure environments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Robotics engineering

Leadership

Project management

Sensor knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Engineering or Computer Science

PhD in Autonomous Systems/AI/Control Theory

Tools

SolidWorks

ROS

Hardware-software integration

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 230 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.