Please note: this is a 6-month contract position.
We are seeking a highly specialized Robotics Engineer to join our team. This role focuses on the research, evaluation, and strategic application of humanoid robotic systems in real-world environments. You will bridge the gap between cutting-edge robotic research and practical implementation, advising on how humanoid platforms can best be utilized to solve complex operational challenges. This role is a full-time 6 months contractor role.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive research into the current state of humanoid robotics, including locomotion, manipulation, and human-robot interaction.
- Advise on the feasibility of integrating specific humanoid platforms into existing workflows.
- Evaluate and benchmark various humanoid hardware and software architectures (e.g., actuators, sensor suites, and AI control models). Evaluate vendor roadmaps and technology maturity.
- Map out the integration of custom software modules or firmware updates tailored for specific application tasks.
- Support the documentation of technical requirements, safety protocols, and performance metrics for humanoid testing phases.
- Develop a 3-5 year robotics adoption roadmap.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, or Mechanical/Electrical Engineering.
Experience in Humanoid Kinematics and Dynamic Control Systems.
Self-starter with the ability to navigate ambiguous research environments and provide concrete strategic roadmaps.
Proven ability to translate complex technical data into actionable advice for non-technical stakeholders.
Desired Additional Skills
Proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time control and data analysis.
Background in Machine Learning, specifically Reinforcement Learning for bipedal locomotion.
Experience with ROS 2 (Robot Operating System) and simulation environments like Gazebo or NVIDIA Isaac Sim.
Familiar with robotic perception, including camera-based object detection, and visual localization.
Familiar with SST (speech-to-text) and TTS (text-to-speech). - Robotics opportunity assessment across all LTA business functions.
- Comparative evaluation of leading humanoid platforms.
- Technical integration architecture.
- Safety assessment.
- Cost/benefit analysis.
- Three-year robotics implementation roadmap.
At the conclusion of the engagement, the contractor will deliver:
Compliance Requirements:
- Background check clearance
- Drug Test clearance wherever applicable
What We Offer!
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, 70% for dependents)
- Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance
- Parental leave
- Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
- 401(k) matching up to 6%
- Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
- Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
- An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields
Skills Required
- Degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, or Mechanical/Electrical Engineering
- Experience in humanoid kinematics and dynamic control systems
- Self-starter able to navigate ambiguous research environments and produce strategic roadmaps
- Proven ability to translate complex technical data into actionable advice for non-technical stakeholders
- Proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time control and data analysis
- Background in Machine Learning, specifically Reinforcement Learning for bipedal locomotion
- Experience with ROS 2 and simulation environments like Gazebo or NVIDIA Isaac Sim
- Familiarity with robotic perception including camera-based object detection and visual localization
- Familiarity with SST (speech-to-text) and TTS (text-to-speech)
- Background check clearance
- Drug test clearance wherever applicable
What We Do
Lighter Than Air (LTA) Research is an aerospace research and development company building experimental and certified manned and remotely piloted airships. We are developing advanced technologies to dramatically increase the capabilities and lower the cost of 21st century airships. With these next-generation airships, we strive to improve humanitarian aid delivery and reduce carbon emissions, while providing economic opportunity and new jobs to Americans. LTA airships will have the ability to complement — and even speed up — humanitarian disaster response and relief efforts, especially in remote areas that cannot be easily accessed by plane and boat due to limited or destroyed infrastructure. We ultimately aim to create a family of aircraft with zero emissions that, when used for shipping goods and moving people, would substantially reduce the global carbon footprint of aviation.
