Robotics Software Engineer

About the position

Join Our Cutting-Edge Robotics Engineering Team at the University of Dayton! The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is seeking a highly motivated and talented Robotics Software Engineer to join our Structural Materials division. This exciting opportunity allows you to contribute to groundbreaking research and development in the field of robotics, while being part of a dynamic and collaborative team. Apply today! UDRI's Rapid Applications of Advanced Manufacturing team is seeking a Robotics Software Engineer with strong expertise in ROS2 (Robot Operating System 2) development for industrial robots. This position is part of a dynamic team that primarily focuses on integration of industrial robotics with cutting-edge laser technologies for aerospace applications. Additionally, the team works on many smaller projects in more generalized automation and advanced manufacturing technology development technical areas. As a key contributor, you will design, develop, and integrate software solutions for autonomous robotic systems, specifically for use in industrial environments. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team to create state-of-the-art robotic applications aimed at solving complex challenges in precision manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain ROS2-based software frameworks for industrial robotic systems.
• Integrate laser technology with robotic platforms to meet project-specific requirements.
• Design and implement advanced control algorithms for autonomous operation.
• Collaborate on robot simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments.
• Support robotic system integration for aerospace applications and other advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and optimize software on embedded systems and robotic hardware.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution and technology delivery.
• Provide technical leadership in software architecture and system design.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for code, design, and system configurations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of professional experience with ROS2 development in industrial settings.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for robotic system development.
• Experience with robot kinematics, path planning, and motion control using OMPL or similar libraries.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and in a team.
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance.

Nice-to-haves

• Hands-on experience with industrial robots such as Yaskawa Motoman, KUKA, etc.
• Strong understanding of control systems and embedded software for real-time applications.
• Strong experience with Linux, Docker, and containerization for deployment.
• Experience with MoveIt, Gazebo, or similar robotics simulation tools.
• Experience in integrating 3D and machine vision perception sensors, especially structured light or laser, into robotic systems.
• Experience in AI/ML research for automated path planning and programming.
• Experience with industrial automation protocols like OPC-UA, EtherCAT, or Modbus.
• Knowledge of safety standards for industrial robots (e.g., ISO 10218, RIA R15.06).