Robotics and Autonomous Control Systems Engineer 1
Lexington, MA

Job Description

The Control and Autonomous Systems Engineering Group is focused on the synthesis of dynamic and complex control and autonomous systems, from concept to realization, for a wide variety of prototypes. Prototype applications span mission areas such as space control, air, missile and maritime defense, communication and tactical systems, homeland protection, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems. The group has expertise in dynamic stabilization and platform control, advanced autonomy, pointing, acquisition and tracking, guidance, navigation and estimation, robotics, mapping, intra- and inter-system planning (e.g. swarming), demanding real-time embedded software and firmware control, image processing, machine learning, human-machine interaction, space-qualified electronics, and analog and power electronics. Applied research and development projects include space optical payloads, small satellites, airborne laser radars and imaging systems and autonomous air, ground and maritime systems. Staff members have advanced degrees in electrical, mechanical, aerospace, and computer engineering. The group also collaborates closely with academia and publishes its research in top-tier venues.

The Control & Autonomous Systems Engineering Group is seeking a control / autonomous systems engineer to work with a multi-disciplinary team to envision and create complex demonstration prototypes (primarily unmanned) and innovative solutions to challenging national security problems, which are implemented for space-based, airborne, ground, and maritime environments. Technical staff members are involved in the complete project life-cycle of control and autonomous systems, from concept and requirements definition, systems analysis, architecture development, design and implementation to field testing and evaluation.

Research and development topics include one or more of the following: estimation and feedback control algorithms such as PID controllers, Extended Kalman Filters, and Unscented Kalman Filters for dynamic pointing and tracking, inertial stabilization, embedded servo control systems, custom electronics development for advanced sensors, autonomous systems, guidance, navigation, non-linear or under-actuated control systems, and mechanism and actuator control, artificial intelligence, including machine learning, Bayesian probability, modern feedback control and state estimation, computer vision & image processing, and Markov decision processes.

Hands-on team-based experience, an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the topics above, and a highly skilled software engineering background are critical. Work will involve using tools such as Matlab and Simulink for algorithm development and simulation, Mentor Graphics for electronics development, and software development targeting both general purpose and real-time operating systems such as VxWorks, Xenomai, and real-time Linux.

Responsibilities for this position include developing dynamic control /autonomous system solutions and specifying and implementing appropriate hardware and algorithms in real-time on mission-specific physical systems. The candidate fulfilling this position will also consult on or directly lead multidisciplinary teams implementing dynamic control / autonomous system technologies.

The successful candidate will assume significant responsibility for delivering novel capabilities of national significance. She or he will have the opportunity to work with unique advanced sensors, communication systems, and unmanned platforms. The successful candidate will be supported with first-rate hardware, test infrastructure, talented peers, and a work environment that values excellence, continuous learning, and work-life balance.

Requirements:

* A Master of Science in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer engineering with coursework and research emphasis on advanced control systems or autonomous systems / robotics. In lieu of a MS, a BS degree with 5+ years of hands-on experience conducting applied research and developing / implementing complex control, autonomous, unmanned or robotic systems operating in real-world environments is required
* Demonstrated proficiency with either a variety of control / autonomy approaches and algorithms (particularly computer vision and ROS), both linear and non-linear, or with the full life-cycle of custom electronics and associated software/firmware development for autonomous systems
* Strong programming skills in C/C++ or Python and Matlab/Simulink using a Linux development environment
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desired Skills:

* In-depth knowledge of open-source robotics toolkits such as the Robot Operating System (ROS)
* Experience with time-deterministic real-time software
* Hands-on real-world experience with embedded processors, FPGAs, motors, sensors, or mechanisms.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.