Position Title:Asst Robotics & Automation Engineering
Project Manager
Position Type:Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Hiring Range:
$83,500 - $98,200, commensurate with experience.
Pay Frequency:Annual A) POSITION PURPOSE
This position provides technical expertise and engineering in
support of the Robotic Systems Laboratory (RSL) in the School of
Engineering. This Research Associate will perform critical tasks
that are part of Dr. Kitts’ externally-funded research program to
include the engineering development of advanced robotic systems,
technology and capabilities. The position will include research
into advanced robotic control and perception technologies,
supporting computing and algorithmic approaches to implementing
these systems, and the development tools and techniques appropriate
for such work. The Research Associate will apply this work to the
experimental development of functional robotic systems which will
include tasks such as modeling, analysis, simulation, programming,
manufacturing and experimentation. The Research Associate will also
participate in interactions with external sponsors and
collaborators, document and present designs and findings,
etc.
B) ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist with the program management of lab and external
grants/contract and related engineering activities that involve
advanced robotic system development.
Assist with engaging stakeholders and sponsors to identify needs,
collaboratively develop systems/capabilities, solicit feedback on
work, and so on programs.
Manage and participate in the preparation of program documentation,
meetings and site visits, presentations, reports, deliverables,
reviews and scholarly works.
Collaborate with Dr. Kitts and other faculty/staff in developing
tutorials, teaching materials and laboratory equipment to sustain
and enhance the teaching of associated robotic technologies
Assists the RSL Director with lab/facility management duties to
include management of RSL laboratory spaces, equipment, training
and safety protocols, processes, students, reporting, etc.
Supports advanced engineering work in the development of advanced
robotic systems, components and capabilities, which may include any
of the following:
Supports development of distributed embedded systems for on-board
robotic/device control, to include associated software development,
hardware design, peripheral/component integration, etc.
Develops pilot/operator/supervisor control systems and software for
remote robotic systems that operation on/in land/sea/air/space, and
capable of functions such as real time control scripting,
health/anomaly management, command planning, resource management,
etc.
Assists with performing R&D activities relating to RSL research
areas, such as multi-robot control, cobot design and human
interaction, anomaly management, advance robotic system
development, etc.
Research, learn, and prototype new techniques in as applicable in
the areas of control, artificial intelligence (AI), machine
learning, vision and perception systems, SLAM, object
identification and classification, object/people/gesture
recognition, etc.
Research, learn, and prototype the use of development tools and
technologies appropriate for robotic and perception systems, to
include ROS, computational accelerators, TensorFlow and other AI
tools, etc.
Apply techniques, tools, and technologies in the iterative design
and development of functional robotic components and systems.
Experimentally verify and characterize the performance of robotic
and perception components and systems
Document designs and findings using available documentation,
project development and version control systems.
Other duties as assigned.
PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION
May supervise and/or mentor several student assistants.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve quality
and services
Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents
recommendations for improvement of established processes and
practices.
Maintains contact with customers and solicits feedback for improved
services.
Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned
training and performance initiatives.
Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient
workflow
Prepares program reports; informs supervisor of project status; and
deviation from goals. Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness
of all operational functions
Prepares and submits report as requested and required
Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the
unit
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to
perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are
representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and
experience required or preferred. This position requires the
ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working
relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.
Knowledge
Knowledge of graduate-level engineering topics relating to
mechatronic system design, robotic analysis and control,
navigation/guidance sensors and algorithms,
sensing/vision/perception systems, artificial intelligence
algorithms (machine learning, deep learning, etc.), and so on
Knowledge regarding the safe and proper use of a broad range of
tools to include 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines,
etc.
Knowledge of a broad range of manufacturing and prototyping tasks
to include both mechanical and electrical prototyping.
Knowledge of broad range of design and analysis tools to include AI
software development tools, Matlab/Simulink, etc.
Knowledge of system design and development processes, testing and
evaluation processes, etc.
Knowledge of robotic manipulator and mobile robot platforms, to
include use of the ROS software framework
Knowledge of ‘cobot’ manipulators and experience in developing
advanced capabilities for such manipulators.
Skills
Experience in complying with and overseeing safe use of machines
and tools to include their use, operation, calibration,
maintenance, commissioning, troubleshooting, etc.
Experience in software design tools, to include their use,
installation, configuration, etc.
Experience in component system design to include the use of design
and manufacturing tools for computer-aided manufactured parts and
ideally pc board layout, fabrication, assembly and test
Experience developing advanced mechatronic systems to include the
design/selection/evaluation/integration/analysis of sensing,
control and actuation subsystems and components
Experience in workstation and embedded software development using
languages/tools such as Python, C/C++, Matlab/Simulink, software
integrated development environments, ROS, Windows and Linux,
Arduino/Pi, and so on
Experience in operating, using and extending the capabilities of
robotic manipulators and mobile platforms.
Broad range of clear and effective communications skills
Commitment to understand and support Santa Clara University’s
distinctive Jesuit educational vision and willingness to model
institutional values of competence, conscience, and compassion, in
pursuit of its mission and goals.
Abilities
Ability to learn and apply applicable safety practices regarding
manufacturing, machine operation, battery use, etc.
Ability to learn applicable legal and administrative concepts,
procedures, documentation requirements.
Ability to learn and execute safe handline of heavy materials and
support equipment to include: lifting and transporting equipment
(up to 100 lbs or more) on an infrequent basis; potentially
operating a vehicle while towing a trailer; operating winches,
cranes and overhead hoists; and so on
Ability to obtain and operate within the framework of professional
licenses and certification as deemed necessary, to possibly include
radio broadcast licensing, drone piloting and operation, marine
vessel licensing and operation, etc.
Ability to work on collaborative, interdisciplinary projects with
engineers, designers, and technology managers.
D. Education
M.S. in engineering or a related field required Coursework in
robotic-oriented topics such as robotics, mechatronics, deep
learning, machine learning, vision systems, sensors, and so on,
required.
E. Years of Experience
6 years of experience developing/analyzing mechatronic and robotic
systems and technologies, to include some experience with vision
systems and/or machine learning tools required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described below are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the
essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment
& Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides
reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities.
A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience,
education, or other requirements of the position, and who can
perform the essential functions of the position with or without
reasonable accommodation. Considerable time is spent at a desk
using a computer terminal.
May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus. May be
required to attend research, training, and/or conference
activities/sessions within the Bay Area and in- or out-of-state
locations. Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer
terminal. Will need to lift, carry, load, and transport equipment
and materials Will need to drive and operate vehicles and possibly
trailers. Will need to work in the field, in/near marine
environments, on boats/ships/docks, at pools, etc.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics
described below are representative of those an employee encounters
while performing the essential functions of this job.
Typical office environment.
Mostly indoor office and workshop environment with windows.
Offices and workshop areas with equipment noise.
Workshop and labs with equipment and work product that may be
dirty, greasy, etc.
Offices and labs with frequent interruption.
Occasional activities conducted at external sites.
Occasional activities conducted at test sites to include outdoor
fields/lost, other buildings/labs, etc.
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination
Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity/equal
access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a
diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and California
State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding
non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applications from
members of historically underrepresented groups are especially
encouraged. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal
opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, see https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/policies-reports/
Telecommute
Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the
following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona,
and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to
perform their work within one of these states.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Santa Clara University does not discriminate in its employment
practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis
of sex/gender, and prohibits retaliation against any person
opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination
investigation or complaint process internally or externally.
Information about Title IX can be found at www.scu.edu/title-ix . Information about Section 504
and the ADA Coordinator can be found at https://www.scu.edu/oae/ , (408) 554-4109, oae@scu.edu .
Inquiries can also be made to the Assistant Secretary of Education
within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Clery Notice of Availability
Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus
crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the
federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and
Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University
report, please go to the Campus Safety Services website . To request a paper copy please call Campus
Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime,
venue, and number of occurrences.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Santa Clara University affirms its commitment to employ qualified
individuals with disabilities within the workplace and to comply
with the Americans with Disability Act. All applicants desiring an
accommodation should contact the Department of Human Resources , and
408-554-5750 and request to speak to Indu Ahluwalia by phone at
408-554-5750 or by email at iahluwalia@scu.edu.
Santa Clara CA United States