Asst Robotics & Automation Engineering Project Manager
: Job Details :

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

COVID-19 Statement

The health and safety of the University community is a top priority. The University strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as the vaccination and boosters are safe, effective tools that significantly minimize the chances of serious illness and hospitalization. Please contact Human Resources if you have any questions.

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 (408) ###-####, ...@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) ###-####. 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-###-#### and request to speak to Indu Ahluwalia by phone at 408-###-#### or by email at ...@scu.edu.