LEAD COMPUTER SCIENTIST - LEAD ENGINEER - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - Robotics Engineer

Southwest Research Institute - San Antonio, TX

Full-time - Principal

San Antonio, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Lead Computer Scientist position within the Robotics Department is a pivotal role that encompasses a wide range of responsibilities aimed at advancing the field of robotics, particularly in the areas of automated and autonomous vehicles and manufacturing robotics. This role is designed for an individual who is not only technically proficient but also possesses the vision to identify and pursue new research directions that align with current and emerging technologies. The successful candidate will be expected to propose and lead internal research programs that push the boundaries of the state of the art in various domains such as localization, navigation, mapping, path planning, perception, modeling, and simulation. In addition to technical expertise, the Lead Computer Scientist will play a crucial role in mentoring colleagues, thereby raising the bar for research and development across the organization. This mentorship is essential for fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within the team. The position also involves exploring new applications, industries, and clients for novel automation capabilities, which is vital for the growth and sustainability of the department. Capturing new research projects with both new and existing clients will be a key focus, ensuring that the department remains at the forefront of robotics research and application. Daily responsibilities include designing, implementing, and testing advanced robotic technologies, which encompass a variety of functions such as localization, navigation, mapping, and trajectory planning. The Lead Computer Scientist will also contribute to the development and implementation of the research direction and strategy for the Robotics Department, ensuring alignment with industry standards and advancements. Staying updated with the latest developments in the field through conferences and publications is essential, as is the ability to write compelling proposals to secure funding for innovative robotics and automation research. Furthermore, the role requires the development of tools and techniques that enhance research and development velocity and capability, thereby driving the department's success.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new research directions for current and emerging technologies in automated and autonomous vehicles and manufacturing robotics.
• Propose and lead internal research programs to extend the state of the art in localization, navigation, mapping, path planning, perception, modeling, and simulation.
• Mentor colleagues to raise the bar for research and development across the entire organization.
• Find new applications, industries, and clients for novel automation capabilities.
• Capture new research projects with new and existing clients.
• Design, implement, and test advanced robotic technologies (e.g., localization, navigation, mapping, path/trajectory planning, perception, and modeling and simulation).
• Help develop and implement the research direction and strategy of the Robotics Department.
• Keep up with the state of the art and the state of the industry through conferences and publications.
• Write proposals to capture internal and external funding for novel robotics and automation research.
• Develop tools and techniques to improve research and development velocity and capability.

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in Robotics, Mechatronics, Controls, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other robotics-related degree.
• 8-18 years of industry, academic, or government research experience in autonomous/automated vehicles or robotics in the unmanned ground (UGV), air (UAS), sea (USV or UUV), or manufacturing robotics domains.
• Strong writing and presentation skills.
• Strong software and software engineering skills; C++/Python preferred.
• 1+ years of business development and/or proposal writing experience.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.