Staff - Research Scientist - Robotics

merl; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

MERL seeks a Robotics Research Scientist to conduct research in learning, perception, motion planning, manipulation and shared autonomy for robotic systems, including quadrupeds and humanoids, applied to Mitsubishi Electric’s autonomous factories and smart infrastructure.

The role emphasizes publishing in leading venues and collaborating across MERL’s ML, control, optimization and CV teams, with independence to steer an impactful research program.

Qualifications

• PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong research background in robotics systems.
• Demonstrated publication record in leading robotics and AI conferences.
• Experience with learning-based approaches, perception, planning, and control.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research in robotics, focusing on novel algorithms for learning, perception, planning and control.
• Demonstrate benefits of algorithms on experimental platforms.
• Publish results in top conferences and journals.
• Collaborate with other MERL researchers in ML, control, optimization and CV.
• Partner with business units and academic groups to execute R&D projects.
• Transfer results to Mitsubishi Electric corporate labs.

Skills

Robotics research

Publication record

C++

Python

ROS/ROS2

MuJoCo

Isaac Lab

Teamwork

Communication

Education

PhD in Robotics/CS/EE/ME or related

Tools

MuJoCo

Isaac Lab

ROS

Simulation tools

Job description

MERL is seeking a Robotics Research Scientist to conduct research in learning, perception, motion planning, manipulation and shared autonomy for robotic systems including quadrupeds, humanoids among other platforms. The successful candidate will develop novel algorithms and theoretical insights while also demonstrating them on robotic platforms in real-world applications relevant to Mitsubishi Electric’s autonomous factories, smart infrastructure, and assistive robotics.

Researchers at MERL publish in leading venues such as ICRA, IROS, RSS, NeurIPS, CVPR, and CoRL, and collaborate closely with Mitsubishi Electric business units to translate research innovations into future products.

The successful candidate will bring an independent research agenda and a track record commensurate with experience and be capable of working within interdisciplinary R&D teams.

Responsibilities for this position include:

• Conduct original research in robotics, with an emphasis on developing novel algorithms in areas such as robot learning, perception, planning, and control.
• Demonstrate benefits of algorithms on experimental platforms.
• Publish research results in top-tier conferences and journals.
• Collaborate with other MERL researchers in machine learning, control, optimization, and computer vision.
• Partnering with business units, corporate R&D, and academic groups in the execution of R&D projects
• Transferring results and technology to Mitsubishi Electric corporate research laboratories

Qualifications for this position are:

• PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong research background in robotics systems.
• Demonstrated publication record in leading robotics and AI conferences.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Learning-based approaches for robotic systems, particularly in imitation learning, reinforcement learning
  • Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models
  • Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)
  • Dexterous manipulation
  • Perception using multi-model inputs including vision, tactile feedback.
  • Motion planning and trajectory optimization
  • Multi-robot systems
• Strong programming skills in C++, Python, or similar languages.
• Familiarity with ROS / ROS2, robotics simulation tools (such as MuJoCo, Isaac Lab)
• Experience validating research results on robotic hardware would be a plus.
• A strong publication record in leading conferences and journals, consistent with experience
• Ability to independently propose and plan research programs with academic impact
• Strong teamwork, communication (oral and written), and listening skills

The pay range for this position at the commencement of employment is expected to be between $135,000 and $170,000 per year. Actual base pay will depend on a variety of individualized factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

In addition to base salary, the total compensation package will include an annual performance-based bonus and a comprehensive benefits program encompassing medical, dental, and vision coverage; a generous 401(k) match; commuting and home office stipends and various paid time off programs (including vacation, sick time, personal and parental leave). Specific details regarding participation in these programs will be provided upon an offer of employment.

Employment is considered “at-will,” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary or any other compensation program at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, departmental or Company performance, and market conditions.

PRINCIPALS ONLY. No phone calls please.

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs, Inc. "MERL" provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MERL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

MERL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of MERL's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Working at MERL requires full authorization to work in the U.S and access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment is conditioned on continued full authorization to work in the U.S and the availability of government authorization for the release of these items, which might include without limitation, obtaining an export license or other documentation. MERL may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to MERL facilities and information systems, as MERL deems appropriate, to ensure practical compliance with applicable employment law and government access control restrictions.