New

Robotics Research Engineer

North Carolina State University

$80,000 - $100,000 (Commensurate with education and/or experience)

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Apr 02, 2026

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194570EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Robotics Research Engineer
Anticipated Hiring Range	$80,000 - $100,000 (Commensurate with education and/or experience)
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday; 8am - 5pm
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	Computer Science
About the Department	Founded in 1967, the NC State University Department of Computer Science is one of the oldest and most respected in the nation. With over 2,450 students, the department continues to grow to meet the demands of our transforming industry. It is among the top schools in the nation in the number of awarded bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in Computer Science. The department combines top-tier teaching with hands-on research and industry experience, preparing the next generation of computer scientists for success. For more information, please visit https://www.csc.ncsu.edu/
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	Robotics Research Engineer - AERIS Lab The Autonomous Experimental Robotics and Intelligent Systems ( AERIS) Lab in the Department of Computer Science at NC State University is hiring a Robotics Research Engineer - the lab's first dedicated engineering hire. Check out the AERIS lab here. AERIS develops robust, intelligent unmanned systems ( UXS) and sensor systems. The lab designs, builds, and field-tests multicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and other small UAS, robot, and sensor platforms. Facilities include a brand new indoor flight arena with motion capture, and access to Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory - a 1,500-acre FAA-approved research site with RTK GPS and a dedicated UAS deployment trailer. The AERIS lab supports multiple graduate and undergraduate students. Autonomous unmanned systems are advancing rapidly, and much of what is possible today was out of reach five years ago. This role puts you at that frontier - translating new research in autonomy, perception, and planning into systems that operate in real environments and do things that haven't been done before. As the lab's first Robotics Research Engineer, you will help define how research concepts become working hardware and software - from embedded firmware through ROS2 autonomy stacks through field deployment at sponsor demonstration sites. You will also build the engineering infrastructure (tools, processes, equipment management) that the lab runs on. This is a role with unusual breadth: PCB layout one week, flight testing at Lake Wheeler the next, debugging a perception pipeline the week after. The right candidate is as comfortable with a soldering iron and a logic analyzer as they are reading a robotics research paper. The primary job duties include the following: Research Engineering & Development (70%) Design, build, integrate, and test UAS platforms and sensor systems for research projects Develop and maintain software in ROS/ROS2 for autonomous navigation, perception, and control Implement embedded systems for real-time sensing, actuation, and communication Support flight testing at indoor and outdoor facilities, including field deployments at Lake Wheeler and sponsor demonstration sites Collaborate with students to translate research algorithms into working implementations. Lab Operations & Equipment Management (20%) Maintain and manage lab equipment inventory, including drones, sensors, 3D printers, laser scanners, and fabrication tools Oversee the lab truck and coordinate field deployment logistics Ensure equipment readiness and safety compliance for indoor and outdoor flight operations Manage procurement of parts, components, and supplies Maintain software infrastructure (simulators, configuration management, data repositories) Technical Collaboration (10%) Work alongside graduate and undergraduate researchers on hardware/software integration. Contribute technical expertise to research discussions and problem-solving. Opportunity to contribute to publications and proposals as interest and time allows. This position is contingent upon funding.
Other Responsibilities	Occasional travel for field testing at remote sites and sponsor demonstrations. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field. An equivalent combination of training with demonstrated experience in robotics systems development may also be considered. Or a Master's degree in one of the above fields
Other Required Qualifications	Proficiency with ROS or ROS2 Programming experience in Python and C/C++ Experience with embedded systems and microcontrollers Familiarity with Linux development environments FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
Preferred Qualifications	PhD degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field, with demonstrated experience in robotics systems development. Experience with PCB design and fabrication Experience with flight controller firmware (PX4, ArduPilot) Experience with real-time systems Hands-on experience building, flying, and maintaining UAS platforms Experience with motion capture systems (Vicon or similar) Experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	Needs drivers license to drive lab truck to Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory as needed. FAA Part 107 certification required (or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire).
Valid NC Driver's License required	Yes
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	04/02/2026
Anticipated Close Date	Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	In addition to your application, please attach a CV/Resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3-5 professional references.

Position Details

Position Number	00111950
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.0
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	141901 - Computer Science Engineering
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.