Robotics Engineer

The Capital Area Division (CAD) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a motivated, action-oriented Robotics Engineer with an expertise in robotics and autonomy. The candidate will support research and development program involving autonomous systems development to support Department of Defense (DoD) operations. The individual will be involved in all aspects of systems development, including design, build, test and demonstration. Work includes using PX4, Robot Operating System (ROS), Gazebo, Microsoft Airsim, and computer vision software so that the UAS can operate in GPS and denied-GPS environments and recognize targets and features of interest. Experience integrating sensor systems on platforms with small size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements is highly desired.

Work hours are mission dependent.  A flexible schedule will be critical to support fast moving tasks and projects.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 2-5 years of professional experience with a focus on robotics and autonomy and/or demonstrated experience in robotics and autonomy
• Must be a US Citizen
• Must be willing to travel as required to support field test work
• Must be able to work flexible hours and have a flexible schedule
• Knowledge and experience with ROS and/or ROS2
• Experience configuring software in Linux environments
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD government clearance

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience with open-source flight stacks, Gazebo, and Microsoft Airsim
• Experience with CNC machining and additive manufacturing
• Knowledge and experience with SolidWorks
• Experience with design and operation of unmanned and/or remotely operated systems
• Experience integrating components and systems on platforms with small size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements
• Development and operation of unmanned systems in GPS denied environments
• Experience with communication interfaces, protocols, and architectures
• Experience in flight control tuning (I.e., Rate tuning, PID tuning, and Calibration)
• Experience with power control design, fabrication, integration, and testing

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs 2000 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Robotics Engineer position.