Engineering Assistant

Responsibilities

• Operation of fixed-wing and multi-rotor UAVs in indoor and outdoor environments as part of experimental campaigns (FAA Part 107 required)
• Hands-on development of robotic systems, including maintaining, configuring, and upgrading a diverse fleet of autonomous platforms
• Planning, design, setup, and execution of indoor and outdoor experiments, including test safety, data collection, and post-processing
• Design and development of specialized test fixtures, instrumentation, software, and electronic circuits as required to support experimentation
• Maintain the overall functionality of the facility, including routine maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, safety compliance, and proposing future investments and capability expansions
• Operate and maintain field-testing vans and SUVs, including hauling equipment via trailers and operating large vehicles (e.g., Sprinter 2500) in support of test activities

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelors in Engineering or related field with minimum of 3 years of experience in a research or applied engineering environment
• Experience writing, reviewing, and overseeing UAV flight test planning
• In-depth knowledge of commercial and military autonomous vehicles (ground, maritime, and airborne) and experience maintaining, deploying, interfacing with and operating these systems in laboratory and field environments
• Active drone pilot’s license (FAA Part 107)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Flight training certificate such as AUVSI TOP Level 2 Fixed Wing course
• Degree related to autonomous systems, robotics, controls, or artificial intelligence
• Prior experience working directly with military end-users, or prior military service related to autonomous systems
• Strong working knowledge of Linux operating systems and demonstrated proficiency in interfacing with and debugging C/C++, ROS, and Python
• Proficiency with scripting and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB) and spreadsheets (e.g., Excel) for experimental data collection, along with configuration management and version control tools such as GitHub
• Experience using, interfacing with, and modifying common robotics ground control (e.g., QGroundControl) and simulations environments (e.g., Gazebo, RealFlight)
• Experience with 3D printing

Hiring Range

$100,600 - $136,200

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work-life balance options