Robotics Research Engineer

About the role

The Autonomous Experimental Robotics and Intelligent Systems (AERIS) Lab in the Department of Computer Science at NC State University is hiring a Robotics Research Engineer — the lab’s first dedicated engineering hire. Check out the AERIS lab here. AERIS develops robust, intelligent unmanned systems (UXS) and sensor systems. The lab designs, builds, and field-tests multicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and other small UAS, robot, and sensor platforms. Facilities include a brand new indoor flight arena with motion capture, and access to Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory — a 1,500-acre FAA-approved research site with RTK GPS and a dedicated UAS deployment trailer. The AERIS lab supports multiple graduate and undergraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Research Engineering & Development (70%): Design, build, integrate, and test UAS platforms and sensor systems for research projects
  Develop and maintain software in ROS/ROS2 for autonomous navigation, perception, and control
  Implement embedded systems for real-time sensing, actuation, and communication
  Support flight testing at indoor and outdoor facilities, including field deployments at Lake Wheeler and sponsor demonstration sites
  Collaborate with students to translate research algorithms into working implementations.

• Lab Operations & Equipment Management (20%):
  Maintain and manage lab equipment inventory, including drones, sensors, 3D printers, laser scanners, and fabrication tools
  Oversee the lab truck and coordinate field deployment logistics
  Ensure equipment readiness and safety compliance for indoor and outdoor flight operations
  Manage procurement of parts, components, and supplies
  Maintain software infrastructure (simulators, configuration management, data repositories)

• Technical Collaboration (10%):
  Work alongside graduate and undergraduate researchers on hardware/software integration
  Contribute technical expertise to research discussions and problem-solving
  Opportunity to contribute to publications and proposals as interest and time allows.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field. An equivalent combination of training with demonstrated experience in robotics systems development may also be considered. Or a Master’s degree in one of the above fields.

• Other Required Qualifications: Proficiency with ROS or ROS2, Programming experience in Python and C/C++, Experience with embedded systems and microcontrollers, Familiarity with Linux development environments, FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or ability to obtain within 6 months).

• Preferred Qualifications: PhD degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field, with demonstrated experience in robotics systems development, Experience with PCB design and fabrication, Experience with flight controller firmware (PX4, ArduPilot), Experience with real-time systems, Hands-on experience building, flying, and maintaining UAS platforms, Experience with motion capture systems (Vicon or similar), Experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping.

• Required License(s) or Certification(s): Needs drivers license to drive lab truck to Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory as needed. FAA Part 107 certification required (or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire).