Carnegie Mellon University seeks a Senior Robotics Engineer within its Robotics Institute in Pittsburgh, PA, responsible for designing, developing, and analyzing complex software and robotic subsystems/components. Specific duties include: (i) performing light fabrication of prototype parts for robots; (ii) assembling, integrating and testing various robotic subsystems/components; (iii) administrative functions including purchasing materials and interacting with vendors; (iv) documenting analysis, designing, and testing results; (v) performing other R&D tasks, such as researching new robotic algorithms; (vi) travelling to support field experiments in the field; (vii) developing and making presentations to sponsors and other interested parties; (viii) oversee more junior engineers; (ix) participating in the software development process, including design and code reviews, taking personal ownership of the simulation implementations; (x) supporting team activities to gather requirements for simulated environments, system integration and project management; and (xi) other duties as assigned, based upon the needs of the department.
Must have a Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field and three (3) years of experience in the field of robotics, software or automation development.
Must have 3 years of experience with each of the following: (i) implementation, testing and benchmarking of motion planning algorithms for mobile manipulation systems; (ii) development of manipulation strategies for dexterous robotic grasping; (iii) implementation of drivers and control interfaces for mobile manipulators and end-effectors; (iv) implementation and optimization of high-level logic, state machines and behavior sequencing to execute complex manipulation tasks; (v) development of multi robot coordination and fleet management strategies; (vi) C++ development; (vii) scripting languages for quick prototyping of robotics algorithms, including Python; and (viii) software development in a Linux environment.
Must also have 2 years of experience with: (i) ROS2 and Move-it manipulation environments; and (ii) implementing data engineering tools for simulation and performance evaluation of manipulation systems.
Experience can be concurrent.
Apply at https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/
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:
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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 or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Three years of experience in robotics, software development, or automation development
- Three years of experience implementing, testing, and benchmarking motion planning algorithms for mobile manipulation systems
- Three years of experience developing manipulation strategies for dexterous robotic grasping
- Three years of experience implementing drivers and control interfaces for mobile manipulators and end-effectors
- Three years of experience implementing and optimizing high-level logic, state machines, and behavior sequencing for complex manipulation tasks
- Three years of experience developing multi-robot coordination and fleet management strategies
- Three years of C++ development experience
- Three years of experience with scripting languages for robotics algorithm prototyping, including Python
- Three years of software development experience in a Linux environment
- Two years of experience with ROS2 and MoveIt manipulation environments
- Two years of experience implementing data engineering tools for simulation and manipulation-system performance evaluation
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.







