Robotics Engineer Job at California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA

  • California Institute of Technology
  • Pasadena, CA

Job Description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.Job SummaryThe Robotics Engineer will develop robotic systems capable of autonomously carrying out common but technically challenging laboratory tasks in the chemical sciences. This position will work at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and chemical experimentation, with the goal of building flexible robotic platforms that can operate safely, reliably, and autonomously in real laboratory environments.The Robotics Engineer will lead the development and integration of robotic manipulation, perception, planning, control, and feedback systems for automated chemical experimentation. The position will work closely with chemists, chemical engineers, and other researchers in the Manthiram Lab to identify laboratory tasks that can be automated and translate experimental requirements into robust robotic workflows.Essential Job DutiesDesign, build, and program robotic systems for autonomous laboratory experimentation.Develop robotic manipulation strategies for laboratory tasks involving objects such as glassware, instruments, containers, samples, and laboratory tools.Develop motion-planning, task-planning, perception, control, and feedback algorithms for operation in complex laboratory environments.Integrate robotic manipulators with cameras, force/torque sensors, grippers, laboratory instruments, and other sensing and actuation hardware.Develop software infrastructure for coordinating robotic operations with automated chemical experiments and laboratory instrumentation.Design systems that can recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors during autonomous operation.Develop approaches for safe and reliable interaction between robots, laboratory equipment, chemicals, and human researchers.Evaluate robotic system performance through systematic experimentation and use these results to improve hardware, algorithms, and workflows.Work closely with researchers in chemistry and chemical engineering to identify experimental procedures suitable for robotic automation and translate those procedures into robotic workflows.Develop reusable robotic capabilities that can generalize across multiple laboratory tasks rather than being limited to a single experimental procedure.Contribute to research publications, presentations, and proposals arising from the work.Mentor students and researchers working on robotics and laboratory automation projects.Maintain and improve robotic hardware, software, and associated laboratory infrastructure.Meet regularly with the principal investigator and research team to define technical priorities, evaluate progress, and identify new research directions.Conduct research in areas of mutual interest related to robotics, autonomous experimentation, machine learning, and laboratory automation.Other tasks as assigned.Basic QualificationsPh.D. in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.Strong research background in robotics, including experience with robotic manipulation, motion planning, control, perception, or related areas.Experience developing and testing integrated robotic hardware and software systems.Strong programming skills, particularly in Python and/or C++.Experience with common robotics software frameworks and tools.Ability to independently design, implement, troubleshoot, and evaluate complex robotic systems.Ability to work effectively on interdisciplinary problems and collaborate closely with researchers outside of robotics.Strong experimental and problem-solving skills, including the ability to diagnose failures in integrated hardware and software systems.Motivation, creativity, speed of learning, and an interest in applying robotics to scientific experimentation.Excellent oral and written communication skills.Preferred QualificationsExperience with robotic manipulation in unstructured or semi-structured environments.Experience with computer vision, force-controlled manipulation, tactile sensing, or learning-based robotics.Experience with bimanual manipulation or coordinated multi-arm robotic systems.Experience integrating robots with external instruments, sensors, or automation hardware.Experience with task and motion planning, reinforcement learning, imitation learning, or other machine-learning approaches for robotics.Experience developing systems requiring high reliability, autonomous error detection, or failure recovery.Interest in chemistry, laboratory automation, or autonomous scientific experimentation. Prior chemistry experience is helpful but not required.Required DocumentsResume or Curriculum Vitae.Cover letter describing relevant robotics experience and interest in autonomous laboratory experimentation.

Job Tags

Flexible hours

Similar Jobs

Texas A&M University

Figure Drawing Nude Model — Student Worker Job at Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in Commerce is looking for a Student Worker: Figure Drawing Nude Model for the Fall 2026 semester. The role involves modeling for visual arts education, where you will help art students develop their skills in capturing human forms and postures.The... 

Sevita

In-Home Caregiver Job at Sevita

Join Sevita as an In-Home Caregiver in our Healthcare & Medical Services, Personal Care & Service team. Provide compassionate support to individuals in their homes, assisting with bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, meals, and light housekeeping so they can live safely... 

Velocity Clinical Research, Inc.

Clinical Research Assistant Job at Velocity Clinical Research, Inc.

 ...Velocity Clinical Research Velocity Clinical Research is an owned and integrated research site organization, providing excellence in patient...  ..., and an annual incentive program. Clinical Research Assistant The Clinical Research Assistant assists the Clinical... 

DEKRA Smog Check | Smog Inspection Station

Smog Inspector - Part-time Job at DEKRA Smog Check | Smog Inspection Station

 ...Smog Inspector (Part-Time) This position is posted on a continuous basis and does not have a fixed application close date. Applications...  ...to make the world a safer place on the road, at work, and at home. In DEKRA, you will be part of a continuously growing organization... 

FOX Rehabilitation

Geriatric Occupational Therapist Job at FOX Rehabilitation

FOX Rehabilitation seeks a part-time Occupational Therapist to provide evidence-based care to older adults in their homes and senior living communities. You will perform evaluations, develop functional treatment plans, and deliver one-on-one interventions focused on safety...