Job Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Research Associate or Engineer to join our research team at the Intelligent Robotics and Autonomous Systems (IRAS) Lab at the University of Cincinnati. The candidate will collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and other  researchers to design, develop, and test advanced robotic or mechatronic systems. This role involves substantial hands-on work, from concept development to hardware fabrication, and requires expertise in both mechanical and electrical designs. The candidate will contribute to both research and the prototyping of innovative robotic solutions for real-world applications. This is a research grants funded position and hence, the continuation of this position will be based on the availability of research funds. Since the position is funded by research grants from the US Space Force, only US citizens are eligible for the position.

Essential Functions

• Work with the IRAS Lab director and graduate students to conceptualize and prototype robotic systems.
• Design and fabricate mechanical components for robots, including custom frames, mounts, grippers, and other components.
• Utilize CAD tools to model and support the design of robotic parts and assemblies.
• Develop, build, and integrate robotic hardware systems, including actuators, sensors, microcontrollers, and custom electronic circuits.
• Use prototyping methods such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting to rapidly iterate on hardware designs.
• Support software integration and testing for robotic systems (using languages such as Python, C++, and ROS).
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair hardware and driving software for ongoing research project.
• Conduct experimental testing to evaluate robotic functions, performance, ensuring reliability and robustness of designs.
• Provide technical guidance and hands-on training to undergraduate and graduate students working in the lab environment.
• Manage and maintain the lab equipment, including robots, measurement instruments, sensors, and prototyping tools.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or engineering technology.

Required Experience

Three (3) years of experience in related field, process or discipline.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Master's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or mechatronics.
• Experience of working in academic or research labs with robotics hardware.
• Knowledge of practical feedback control methods and robot kinematics.
• Experience of working with machine learning, computer vision, or autonomous systems.
• Publications or contributions to robotics research, focusing on hardware design and experimentation.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment