Senior Electrical Engineer - NREC

Carnegie-Mellon-University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Bus pass

Family Concierge / childcare support

Fitness center

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) seeks a Senior Electrical Engineer to lead electrical design for robotic subsystems. You will design, analyze, and test complex electronics, mentor junior engineers, and participate in prototype fabrication and testing in a fast-paced environment.

You will work with cross-disciplinary teams at NREC to push robotics technology forward, ensuring robust, safe electrical systems and clear documentation for sponsors and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 6+ years of experience OR MS in Electrical Engineering and 3+ years of experience.
• Strong systems engineering and project management focus on systems-level design and integration.
• Proficiency in motion control, motor design, and control of brushed/brushless motors.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and analyze complex electrical subsystems for robotic platforms.
• Perform light fabrication of prototype parts for robots.
• Support junior engineers and contribute to team knowledge.
• Assemble and test electrical/electronic assemblies; document results.
• Develop and present analyses and results to sponsors and stakeholders.
• Conduct additional R&D tasks and manage vendor relations and purchasing.

Skills

Motion control

Embedded systems

C/C++

FPGA design

PCB layout

SPI/I2C/CAN/UART

Altium Designer

Safety-critical design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

MS in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Verilog/VHDL

MATLAB

STM32

Job description

At the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), it is our engineers and technicians who drive the breakthroughs that define our success. The members of our technical staff collaborates closely with leadership and multidisciplinary teams to design, build, and deploy sophisticated robotic solutions that address complex challenges in industrial, commercial and government sectors. Each project benefits from their expertise, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving, fueling progress and innovation across the organization.As part of our dedicated team, you will work alongside world-class robotics professionals committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and redefining ideas into solutions for real-world applications. We foster a culture of professionalism, respect, and collaboration, offering a flexible and encouraging environment where you can sharpen your skills, lead impactful projects, and take control of your career development.We are seeking a dynamic Senior Electrical Engineer to lead electrical design efforts in robot design, fabrication, assembly, and testing with a solid application of electrical engineering principles and practice. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced and innovative setting. In this role, you will be instrumental in advancing robotics design across multiple industries, ensuring our team delivers exceptional and ground- breaking results.Your primary responsibilities are:Designing, developing, and analyzing complex/larger electrical/electronic robotic subsystems/componentsPerforming light fabrication of prototype parts for robotsSupporting junior engineersAssembling and testing electrical/electronic assemblyDocumenting analysis, crafting, and testing resultsDeveloping and making presentations to sponsors and other interested partiesPerforming other R&D tasks, such as researching new electrical componentsAdministrative functions including purchasing materials and handling vendor relationsOther duties as assigned, based upon the needs of the departmentRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and more than 6 years’ experience OR MS in Electrical Engineering and 3+ years’ experienceProficiency with systems engineering and project management with significant focus on systems level design and integrationStrong understanding of motion control, brushed and brushless motors, and design of motion controllersCircuit design and multi-layer PCB layout experience using Altium Designer is requiredExperience with embedded system design implementing microcontrollers and FPGAs: strong experience programming in C/C++ for embedded systems; experience programming FPGAs (Verilog or VHDL)Extensive analog circuit and low-voltage system design experienceSensor interface design; experience with interfaces such as SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, and standard computer buses is a mustUnderstanding of the design and debugging of safety-critical electrical systems and experience with electrical system fault detection, prevention, and mitigationAn eagerness to work in a fast paced, rapid design, prototype, and build environmentWe especially want to hear from you if you have experience or qualifications in any of the following areas:Experience with UL certification processesExtensive knowledge of NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC)Python/Bash scripting, Matlab, C, C++Experience with MCU firmware development, Atmel and STM32Experience around FGPA developmentIndustrial IO systemsExperience with High speed routing and fabrication considerationsImaging and opticsEmbedded and industrial computingPower supply designMotor controller design and specificationSmart battery designFamiliarity with 3D modeling software (SolidWorks or similar)Experience in mentoring junior engineersOther Requirements:Successful pre-employment background checkTravel Requirements: You should be able to travel domestically and be willing to work outside of normal business hours as neededThis position will require work on a variety of projects, including projects that involve military/defense applications and/or are funded by military/defense sponsors.Are you interested in joining our versatile team at NREC where you will have a direct impact on operations and meaningful projects?Join a collaborative environment where your hands-on skills, leadership, and mentorship will directly influence operations and inspire the next generation of innovators.Why NREC?At NREC, you will shape the robotics revolution by tackling real-world challenges in agriculture, manufacturing, defense, energy, and much more. You will work alongside top robotics experts, develop ground breaking technologies, and see your solutions deployed in the field.NREC at a Glance:Located in Pittsburgh or “Roboburgh”, a hub for over 120+ robotics companies30+ years of pioneering robotics research150+ professionals driving innovation and real-world impactPart of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute , a global leader in roboticsNREC also leads in educational outreach through its Robotics Academy , which develops curricula and software for K–12 and college-level students. You will also have opportunities to engage with these student groups through outreach activities.As part of our team, you will have the flexibility to grow your career - whether becoming a technical expert, leading projects, mentoring others, or exploring new pathways and making an impact in developing technologies that drive progress, improve safety and transform industries.Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access , and much more!For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page .At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!LocationPittsburgh, PAJob FunctionEngineering, Research and Project ScientistsPosition TypeStaff – RegularFull Time/Part timeFull timePay BasisSalary