Autonomy Engineer II

Position Overview:

As a member of the Engineering Platform R&D team the Autonomy Engineer II is responsible for robotic perception and data analysis algorithms using machine learning techniques for developing, maintaining, and improving proprietary indoor navigation software. In this role, you will use a combination of machine learning, Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), computer vision, and motion planning techniques to enable machines to perceive, learn, and navigate complex environments while avoiding people and obstacles.

Essential Job Functions:

• Research and develop state-of-the-art machine learning, SLAM, perception, and motion planning algorithms to improve the autonomous navigation system.
• Implement new localization, depth perception, computer vision, mission/behavior planning, SLAM, motion planning algorithms.
• Analyze data to assess and improve system performance. Benchmark, and report on various navigation algorithms.
• Integrate, test, improve and demonstrate prototype projects in simulation and on real robots.
• Assume ownership for parts of the tech stack and work across teams to integrate and maintain the solution across product lines.
• Optimize the current navigation software system to improve the stability and autonomy time.
• Research new computer vision technologies that can be used on the robot; read conference papers, journals, or other relevant publications.
• Collaborate with other team members, brainstorm ideas to push proprietary indoor navigation software forward.
• Write research papers in the field of computer vision, machine learning, SLAM and/or motion planning.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: 

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
• 2 years of related work experience and/or research-based project experience in a university or professional setting.
• Strong experience in algorithmic development and research techniques. Strong awareness of state-of-the-art technologies in robotics and self-driving.
• 2 years of experience in one or more of the following:
• Machine learning techniques (unsupervised, supervised, reinforcement) 
• Optimization algorithms
• State-of-the-art motion and path planning algorithms
• State-of-the-art computer vision algorithms
• State-of-the-art depth perception algorithms
• Simultaneous Localization and Mapping techniques
• Strong coding skills in Python and C++ in Linux environment.
• Experience in deep neural network packages (e.g. TensorFlow, PyTorch) and other existing robotic and navigation libraries, tools and robotic middleware (such as ROS).
• Experience with Agile and Scrum methodology and source version control tools (e.g. git, github).

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics: 

• Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals or conferences.
• Experience in real-world robotic projects.
• Experience with simulation environments.

Things That Make a Difference:

• PhD in computer science, robotics or related field a plus.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential functions may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for sitting, walking or standing for periods of time; operating a computer and keyboard; use of hands to finger and grasp; talk and hear at normal room levels; visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures; push or pull up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Employees are exposed to the typical office environment with computers, printers and telephones.

Salary:

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