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 Electrical Engineer to contribute to 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 to:
- Research, identify and test relevant circuits and sensors.
- Find new sensors and ICs relevant to implementing and improving designs
- Perform PCB board design, schematic and layout
- Perform circuit prototyping, PCB assembly and rework
- Generate wiring diagrams
- Source and procure electronic components and lab supplies
- Participate in hardware design process design, reviews, and testing
- Perform light fabrication of prototype parts for robots.
- Assemble and test mechanical and electrical/electronic assemblies
- Document analysis, design, and test results
- Work with interdisciplinary teams to determine comprehensive solutions
- Travel to support field experiments in the field
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or related field, or equivalent experience
- Minimum 3-5 years of related experience in engineering
- Proven track record of developing electrical circuits and electrical system
- Circuit design software experience (Altium preferred)
- Effective organizational, planning, and analytical skills
- Independent judgment and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to effectively interact with a multifaceted population of internal and external partners
- Ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
We especially want to hear from you if you have experience or qualifications in any of the following areas:
- Experience with UL certification processes
- Extensive knowledge of NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC)
- Python/Bash scripting, Matlab, C, C++
- Experience with MCU firmware development, Atmel and STM32
- Experience around FGPA development
- Industrial IO systems
- Experience with High speed routing and fabrication considerations
- Imaging and optics
- Embedded and industrial computing
- Power supply design
- Motor controller design and specification
- Smart battery design
- Familiarity with 3D modeling software (SolidWorks or similar)
Other Requirements:
- Successful pre-employment background check
- Travel Requirements: You should be able to travel domestically and be willing to work outside of normal business hours as needed
This 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 companies
- 30+ years of pioneering robotics research
- 150+ professionals driving innovation and real-world impact
- Part of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute, a global leader in robotics
NREC 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!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
Engineering, Research and Project ScientistsPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
Statement of Assurance
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, or equivalent experience
- Minimum 3-5 years of related engineering experience
- Proven track record developing electrical circuits and electrical systems
- PCB board design, schematic capture and layout
- Circuit prototyping, PCB assembly and rework
- Circuit design software experience (Altium preferred)
- Effective organizational, planning, and analytical skills
- Independent judgment and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to interact effectively with internal and external partners
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
- Successful pre-employment background check
- Ability to travel domestically and work outside normal business hours as needed
- Experience with UL certification processes
- Extensive knowledge of NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC)
- Python, Bash, Matlab, C, C++
- MCU firmware development experience (Atmel, STM32)
- FPGA development experience
- Industrial IO systems experience
- High speed routing and fabrication considerations
- Imaging and optics experience
- Embedded and industrial computing experience
- Power supply design
- Motor controller design and specification
- Smart battery design
- Familiarity with 3D modeling software (SolidWorks or similar)
Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
Carnegie Mellon University Insights
What We Do
Carnegie Mellon University founder Andrew Carnegie said: "My heart is in the work." No statement better captures the passion and drive of our people to make a real difference. At Carnegie Mellon, we're not afraid of the work. Our educational environment creates problem solvers, drivers of innovation and pioneers in technology and the arts. Employers in every field say our graduates are ready to hit the ground running the day they graduate. So, join us. Whether you're looking for a career or an education. Or both.
