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 collaborate 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 Senior Electrical Engineer to lead electrical design efforts in 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:
- Designing, developing, and analyzing complex/larger electrical/electronic robotic subsystems/components
- Performing light fabrication of prototype parts for robots
- Supporting junior engineers
- Assembling and testing electrical/electronic assembly
- Documenting analysis, crafting, and testing results
- Developing and making presentations to sponsors and other interested parties
- Performing other R&D tasks, such as researching new electrical components
- Administrative functions including purchasing materials and handling vendor relations
- Other duties as assigned, based upon the needs of the department
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and more than 6 years’ experience OR MS in Electrical Engineering and 3+ years’ experience
- Proficiency with systems engineering and project management with significant focus on systems level design and integration
- Strong understanding of motion control, brushed and brushless motors, and design of motion controllers
- Circuit design and multi-layer PCB layout experience using Altium Designer is required
- Experience with embedded system design implementing microcontrollers and FPGAs: strong experience programming in C/C++ for embedded systems; experience programming FPGAs (Verilog or VHDL)
- Extensive analog circuit and low-voltage system design experience
- Sensor interface design; experience with interfaces such as SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, and standard computer buses is a must
- Understanding of the design and debugging of safety-critical electrical systems and experience with electrical system fault detection, prevention, and mitigation
- An eagerness to work in a fast paced, rapid design, prototype, and build environment
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)
- Experience in mentoring junior engineers
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.
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 Electrical Engineering and >6 years' experience OR MS in Electrical Engineering and 3+ years' experience
- Proficiency with systems engineering and project management focused on systems level design and integration
- Strong understanding of motion control, brushed and brushless motors, and motion controller design
- Circuit design and multi-layer PCB layout experience using Altium Designer
- Embedded system design implementing microcontrollers and FPGAs
- Strong experience programming in C/C++ for embedded systems
- Experience programming FPGAs (Verilog or VHDL)
- Extensive analog circuit and low-voltage system design experience
- Sensor interface design experience (SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, standard computer buses)
- Understanding of design and debugging of safety-critical electrical systems and fault detection/mitigation
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, rapid design, prototype, and build environment
- 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 scripting, Matlab experience
- MCU firmware development experience (Atmel, STM32)
- FPGA development experience (preferred beyond basic Verilog/VHDL)
- Experience with industrial I/O systems
- High speed routing and fabrication considerations experience
- Imaging and optics experience
- Embedded and industrial computing experience
- Power supply design experience
- Motor controller design and specification experience
- Smart battery design experience
- Familiarity with 3D modeling software (SolidWorks or similar)
- Experience mentoring junior engineers
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.
