At the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), it is our engineers and technicians who drive the breakthroughs that define our success. 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 motivated roboticist to help develop and deploy the next generation of mobile manipulation systems for real-world applications. You’ll bridge research and industry by transforming advanced robotic concepts into robust, production-ready technologies. The work emphasizes hands-on development, integration, and deployment of systems that combine perception, planning, and control to address impactful challenges in areas including logistics, manufacturing, and automated science. If you’re passionate about building real robots that make a measurable difference in the world, we’d love to hear from you.
Note: this is a fixed-term position for up to 8 weeks.
Your primary responsibilities are:
- Developing algorithms for perception-aided control of manipulators on mobile robots for real world applications
- Prototyping in scripting languages
- Transitioning applications to deployment with production quality code
- Designing, developing, documenting, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining software applications and integrated systems
- Interacting with sponsors for planning, application support, and reporting purposes
- Surveying literature and implementing innovative techniques to take on exciting problems
- Following protocols for team software development (peer reviews of designs and code, unit and system testing, version control, bug tracking, integrated documentation)
- Developing, documenting, and applying software system testing, troubleshooting, and verification procedures
- Collaboration with engineers with varied skills, including communication, co-design, and joint decision making
Required Qualifications:
- B.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or equivalent experience (M.S. or PhD is a bonus).
- 1-3 years combined graduate academic and professional software development experience
- Experience with 3D perception (LiDAR, stereo vision, RGB-D, point cloud processing)
- Knowledge of kinematics, dynamics, and control of manipulators
- Strong background in at least one of
- Motion planning (MoveIt, OMPL, RRT*, etc.)
- Grasp/manipulation planning or whole-body control
- Strong C++ skills
- Experience with scripting languages for quick prototyping of computer vision applications (Python or Matlab preferred)
- Linux development experience
- Knowledge of basic software engineering principles
- Technical communication skill
- Demonstrated success collaborating alongside a multi-functional team
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 – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)Full 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
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.
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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.
