Wearable Systems Engineer - Human Performance and Robotics

IHMC is seeking engineers and scientists for the design of wearable devices, including passive and actively actuated exoskeletons. Over the last 17 years, IHMC has developed legged systems ranging from bipedal robots to legged exoskeletons. You will work with an interdisciplinary robotics team on the design and development of new wearable robotics, focusing on extending the working life of DOE Environmental Management personnel. This includes collaborating with Sandia National Labs and Georgia Tech to analyze and improve limitations of existing wearables, as well as developing a novel powered lower-body exoskeleton to assist EM workers in carrying heavy PPE loads.

About the role

We are seeking individuals with backgrounds in mechanical design, controller and software development, and project management to contribute to cutting-edge wearable robotics projects.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop wearable robotic systems, including exoskeletons.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to analyze and improve existing wearable technologies.
• Develop novel powered lower-body exoskeletons to assist workers with heavy loads.
• Engage in prototype development and fabrication, focusing on minimizing weight while maintaining durability.
• Perform failure analysis and apply advanced manufacturing techniques, including composites.
• Write clean, readable software for robot control, incorporating standard control theory, robot kinematics, dynamics, and object-oriented programming.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, with 2+ years of experience.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Passion for robotics and experience working on multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to work both independently and in a tight-knit team environment.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Qualifications

Mechanical Design

• Experience with prototype development and fabrication techniques (machining, 3D printing).
• Familiarity with failure analysis.
• Experience designing with composites and advanced manufacturing (preferred).

Software and Controls

• 2+ years of experience in robot control.
• Proficiency in standard control theory, robot kinematics, dynamics, and object-oriented programming.
• Dedication to writing clean, readable software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in engineering.
• Experience working with articulated robots or wearable systems.
• Experience with electromechanical systems, hydraulic systems, sensors, or motors.
• Prior involvement in the development of articulated robots.

About IHMC

The Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) pioneers technologies aimed at leveraging and extending human capabilities. A not-for-profit research institute of the Florida University System, IHMC is affiliated with several Florida universities. Our human-centered approach results in systems that act as cognitive, physical, or perceptual orthoses. IHMC staff includes computer scientists, cognitive psychologists, neuroscientists, linguists, physicians, philosophers, engineers, and social scientists, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

Current research areas include artificial intelligence, cognitive science, humanoid robotics, exoskeletons, advanced interfaces, cybersecurity, linguistics, machine learning, and more. IHMC collaborates with industry and government partners such as DARPA, NSF, NASA, and leading corporations.

Location: Pensacola, FL.