Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
MBZUAI is seeking highly skilled and innovative Mechatronics Engineers with a strong focus on hands-on experience to join the Robot Learning Laboratory, a state-of-the-art core facility. This role is ideal for candidates who have a strong background in mechanical, electronics, and computer engineering, with a passion for building and deploying advanced robotic systems. With an emphasis on practical implementation complemented by research-driven innovation, this position focuses on translating cutting-edge robotics and AI research into real-world applications, robotic platforms that adapt to diverse, dynamic environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work closely with faculty and multidisciplinary teams to support research and lab objectives.
- Gather and analyze system requirements, prepare specifications, define technical solutions, source vendors/OEMs, and develop R&D schedules.
- Manage system-level design, interface definition, lifecycle management, and prototype development, resolving issues during all phases of the project.
- Design, develop, and integrate robotic and mechatronic systems, including sensors, actuators, and control architecture.
- Implement advanced control strategies (e.g., PID, adaptive, robust) to ensure precision, stability, and reliable automation.
- Develop embedded systems and firmware for real-time control and communication across sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers.
- Execute mechanical design using CAD and FEA tools, integrating pneumatics, hydraulics, and electromechanical components into robust systems.
- Produce technical documentation including electrical schematics, PCB layouts, technical drawings, and 3D models.
- Program and deploy robotic systems using ROS and RTOS, applying kinematics, dynamics, and force/torque control for seamless hardware software integration.
- Integrate, test, and optimize robot control code in C++/Python across diverse platforms, ensuring smooth migration and minimal disruption.
- Support system bring-up, calibration, troubleshooting, and validation during lab testing and field deployment.
- Conduct feasibility studies, system modeling, and simulations using MATLAB/Simulink, SolidWorks, Gazebo, Webots, and CoppeliaSim.
- Perform multibody dynamics simulations and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing to validate performance, safety, and reliability.
- Ensure system safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance by applying international standards (ISO, CE, UL) and robotic safety frameworks (ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066, IEC 61508, ISO 26262, ANSI/RIA R15.06).
- Develop preventive maintenance procedures and support design, integration, and deployment phases.
- Continuously identify automation opportunities to enhance system performance, quality, and efficiency.
- Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.
Academic Qualifications:
- Master degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Control Systems, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
- A PhD degree will be preferred.
Professional Experience:
Essential
- Minimum 4 years of experience in mechatronics engineering, robotics, or a related role.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink.
- Hands-on experience with robotic systems, including ROS, RTOS, kinematics/dynamics, control systems (PID, adaptive, robust), force/torque control, and software architecture for Skilled in design, development, programming, troubleshooting, deployment, and maintenance in compliance with safety standards.
- Strong background in mechanical and electrical systems design, including CAD, FEA, actuator/motor selection, pneumatics, hydraulics, circuit design, PCB design/layout, sensor integration, and sensor fusion.
- Experience in embedded systems for real-time control and automation using platforms such as STM32, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, and ESP32.
- Skilled in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and industrial automation applications.
- Proficient in modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, Gazebo, Webots, and V-REP/CoppeliaSim. Experienced in multibody dynamics simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing to validate control algorithms and ensure robust hardware–software integration.
- Experienced in robotic fleet management systems for monitoring, task scheduling, performance optimization, and diagnostics of multi-robot operations.
- Skilled in custom sensor design and development for specialized robotic applications, ensuring reliability and seamless integration.
- Proficiency with Git-based version control and CI/CD pipelines to support efficient, automated, and reliable software delivery.
Preferred
- Hands-on experience with humanoid, mobile, collaborative, or industrial robots from leading OEMs (e.g., Kuka, Fanuc, ABB, UR, Yokogawa).
- Proven industry experience across sectors such as robotics, industrial automation, automotive, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, consumer electronics, and healthcare.
- Familiarity with industrial automation protocols (e.g., MODBUS, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, EtherCAT, CANopen, OPC UA) and embedded communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART).
- Experience in systems engineering, including requirements analysis, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), interface management, lifecycle and configuration management, and risk assessment.
- Strong understanding of safety and compliance standards (ISO, CE, UL), with practical application of robotic and functional safety frameworks such as ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066, IEC 61508, ISO 26262, and ANSI/RIA R15.06.
- Experience with rapid prototyping tools (e.g., CNC machining, laser cutting) for iterative mechanical design.
- Proficiency in data analytics for process optimization and continuous improvement.
- Working proficiency in additional languages is an advantage.
