Senior Robotics & Autonomy Engineer

Y99000 General Electric Company; Town of Niskayuna (NY); On-site; USD 131,000 - 218,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k)

Relocation assistance

Job summary

GE Aerospace's Robotics & Autonomy Lab seeks a Senior Robotics & Autonomy Engineer to advance embodied AI and autonomy from TRL 2–6, maturing concepts into GE Aerospace programs. You will lead diverse teams, prototype technologies, and partner with academia, industry, and government to shape roadmaps and execute impactful projects.

You will mentor engineers, contribute to IP, and help transition research into products while aligning with safety and mission requirements in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• PhD with 5+ years in robotics/autonomy or MS with 7+ years, BS with 10+ years.
• 4+ years of commercial/industrial experience in autonomy/robotics.
• Strong rapid prototyping skills for robust, scalable software.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver autonomy solutions for manufacturing and vehicle autonomy.
• Invent, prototype, and mature embodied AI from TRL 2–6.
• Build scalable software using modern tools and practices; create reusable components.
• Collaborate with programs to align research with business needs and transition technologies.
• Publish outcomes and represent the lab to customers and leadership.

Skills

C/C++

ROS

Kinematics

Dynamics

Control

Planning

Real-time systems

Embodied AI

Hardware integration

Education

PhD in Robotics/Mechatronics/Autonomous Systems

MS in relevant field

BS in relevant field

Tools

GitHub

ROS

Job description

Job Description Summary

At GE Aerospace Research’s Robotics & Autonomy Lab, we advance the future of flight through breakthroughs in robotic manufacturing automation and vehicle/mission autonomy. We develop technologies to enable high‑mix low-volume work cell that operate independently and alongside human teammates without bespoke retooling. We also create autonomous solutions for uncrewed and reduced‑crew vehicles spanning sensing, localization, navigation, mission planning, and execution. As a Senior Robotics & Autonomy Engineer, you will invent, prototype, and mature embodied AI and autonomy fromTRL 1-6, transitioning capabilities into GE Aerospace programs and products. You will partner with senior leadership across the enterprise to shape roadmaps, lead multidisciplinary teams, originate and propose new projects, and collaborate with external partners in academia, industry, and government agencies. Your research will enable adaptive systems that operate in the physical world within defined safety envelopes, unlocking: High-mix low-volume manufacturing automation capabilities applicableto diverse tasks without requiring bespoke hardware and software development. Mission autonomy across a wide range of applications from detection and localization of cargo for pickup to complex detect‑and‑avoid systems to prevent near miss conditions when unresponsive or uncooperative objects enter controlled airspace.

Job Description Essential Responsibilities

Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams in delivering autonomy solutions for manufacturing and vehicle/mission autonomy. Invent, prototype, and mature embodied AI and autonomy from TRL 2–6, spanning robotic cell design, sensing and perception, controls and planning, and behavior or policy learning. Build high-quality, scalable software using modern tools and practices, creating reusable autonomy and robotics components. Collaborate with GE Aerospace programs and product teams to align research with business needs and transition technologies beyond GE Aerospace Research. Shape the autonomy strategy by working with other Autonomous Systems experts across GE Aerospace and external partners. Communicate research outcomes via publications, internal reviews, and demos; represent the lab to customers, collaborators, and leadership. Create and protect intellectual property through invention disclosures and patents. Grow as a technical and thought leader, positioning for future roles such as Principal Scientist or technical manager.

Qualifications/Requirements

PhD with 5+ years, MS with 7+ years, BS with 10+ years in Robotics, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related field focused on robotic or vehicle autonomy. 4+ years of commercial or industrial experience, preferably applying autonomy or robotics to real‑world systems. Strong rapid prototyping skills for robust, efficient, scalable software. Strong grounding in robotics theory (e.g., kinematics, dynamics, control, planning, perception) and interest in applying it to real‑time physical AI systems. Willing to travel at least 2 weeks per year for collaboration, testing, and reviews. Due to the nature of the duties of this position, this role requires the individual to have the ability to obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance; prerequisite for a security clearance is U.S. citizenship. Willing to relocate to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY

Ideal Candidate Characteristics

PhD in Robotics, Mechatronics, or Autonomous Systems, especially embodied AI or uncrewed aerial systems. Expertise in at least one area: vehicle autonomy, mission autonomy, high‑mix robot autonomy, robotic manufacturing automation, human‑machine teaming, or human‑robot interaction. Proficiency in C/C++ for edge or real‑time systems. Experience with the Robot Operating System (ROS) Experience winning or executing externally funded research, including proposals and collaboration with agencies such as DARPA, ARL, AFRL, or ONR. Postdoctoral or industrial experience inventing and advancing new autonomous systems technologies. Strong track record of peer‑reviewed publications in autonomy, robotics, or related application domains. Visible impact in the technical community, e.g., open‑source contributions or a strong GitHub portfolio. Hands‑on experience with industrial robotic arms or high‑mix robotic workcells.

Compensation and Benefits

The base pay range for this position is $131,000 - $218,000 USD Annually. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a percentage of your base salary/ commission based on the plan. This posting is expected to close on October 31st 2026.

GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement savings plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time‑off for vacation or illness. GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a "Sponsor"). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor’s welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.

Additional Information: This role requires access to U.S. export‑controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)). Additional Information GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). Employees may also be subject to random and reasonable‑suspicion drug and alcohol testing. Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes At GE Aerospace, we invent the future of flight, lift people up, and bring them home safely. We are a world‑leading provider of jet engines, components, and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. At GE Aerospace, respect for people is core to our culture and commitment to FLIGHT DECK, our proprietary lean operating model. We attract, develop, and retain industry‑leading talent from all backgrounds and cultivate communities where people are respected and empowered to reach their fullest potential. For the people of GE Aerospace, their work isn't just a job. It's their passion and purpose. We work and win as one team, accountable to each other and our customers, and we are always finding a better way to climb higher together. We were meant to fly.