Postdoctoral Associate -Robot Design / Fab

Job Summary

A postdoctoral position in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics is offered to support research in bio-inspired underwater robotics, with a focus on the design, fabrication, and integration of multi-limbed swimming systems. This position is grant-funded; employment is contingent upon the continued availability of those funds.

About the Role

This position involves mechanical design and development of bio-inspired robotic platforms, including structural components, actuation systems, and waterproofing strategies for underwater operation. It also includes supervising undergraduate and graduate students in robotic design, fabrication, and system integration, contributing to research proposals, and presenting findings at conferences and technical meetings.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical design and development of bio-inspired robotic platforms, including structural components, actuation systems, and waterproofing strategies for underwater operation.
• Lead the fabrication, assembly, and iterative refinement of robotic systems, ensuring reliable performance in experimental environments, including integration of mechanical, electrical, and sensing subsystems into cohesive platforms for testing and validation.
• Work closely with modeling and control efforts to translate design requirements into physical systems and support experimental campaigns.
• Diagnose system-level performance issues, improve robustness, and enable repeatable experimental operation.
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate student research related to robotic design, fabrication, and system integration, providing guidance on prototyping, testing, and hardware development.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals, present findings at conferences and technical meetings, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements

• Minimum of a PhD or Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or related field or the equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Minimum of 0-3 years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong mechanical design experience for robotic systems, including CAD of complex assemblies.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication and rapid prototyping (3D printing, machining, composites).
• Experience designing for underwater operation (sealing, waterproofing, material selection).
• Experience designing multi-degree-of-freedom (multi-DoF) systems.
• Experience integrating mechanical, electrical, and sensing subsystems.
• Experience with experimental testing, debugging, and iterative hardware development.
• Familiarity with embedded systems is desirable.
• Experience with ROS/ROS2 or similar frameworks is a plus.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking

Location

University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt, grade K. Compensation for this grade ranges from $60,240.00 - $90,350.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position will vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application. A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.