Robotics and Autonomous Control Systems Engineer
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 robotics and autonomous systems engineer to lead the development of innovative solutions to challenging national security problems by leveraging advances in autonomy algorithms, computation, and sensing. The successful candidate will identify and assess the suitability of autonomous systems approaches, develop autonomy architectures and underlying algorithms, work with teammates to implement the solution on unmanned or other platforms, communicate objectives and technical aspects of programs, and conceive research efforts to drive future capability.

The ideal candidate will have a strong grasp of a wide range of approaches to autonomy, advanced control, and artificial intelligence, including machine learning, Bayesian probability, modern feedback control and state estimation, computer vision, and Markov decision processes, with experience-based understanding of the strengths and weakness thereof. The candidate must have hands-on and team-based experience creating robotic systems operating in dynamic real-world environments. Familiarity with unmanned and robotic system sensing, computation, and actuation technology and a skilled software engineering background are critical.

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 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 Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer engineering with coursework and research emphasis on autonomous systems / robotics. In lieu of a Ph.D., an MS degree with 3+ years of experience conducting and publishing applied research in a robotics field.
* Hands-on experience developing autonomous unmanned or robotic systems operating in real-world environments
* Demonstrated proficiency with a variety of autonomy approaches and algorithms
* Strong programming skills in the C++ or Python programming languages using a Linux development environment
* Experience developing and publishing high-quality robotics / autonomy research
* 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

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.