Research Engineer (Robotics) - KK1

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits.  We are seeking a hands-on Research Engineer to develop, integrate, and deploy a vendor-agnostic robotics connectivity layer that links smart automation systems, sensors, and warehouse management platforms within a live logistics environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in and manage the research project with Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI and the research team members to ensure all project deliverables are met.
• Undertake these responsibilities in the project:

1. Design, develop, and integrate the robotics connectivity layer: middleware nodes, protocol interfaces (OPC UA, Modbus, MQTT), and data pipelines between automation systems, embedded devices, and backend systems, using ROS 2.
2. Develop station-level integration across the programme's automation processes — interfacing robots, sensors, PLCs, and vision systems into a common, standards-aligned framework.
3. Build and maintain conformance test tooling to validate that vendor systems and interfaces meet the programme's connectivity specifications.
4. Develop embedded software/firmware for data-capture endpoints and support custom electronics bring-up.
5. Support deployment, commissioning, and site-acceptance testing at the industry partner's facility, including troubleshooting in a live operational environment.
6. Maintain technical documentation, interface specifications, and version-controlled codebases to a standard that supports long-term maintainability and knowledge transfer.
7. Coordinate with technical leads, the industry partner's engineering team, and vendors to keep integration on schedule.

• Carry out Risk Assessment, and ensure compliance with Work, Safety and Health Regulations.
• Coordinate procurement and liaison with vendors/suppliers.
• Work independently, as well as within a team, to ensure proper operation and maintenance of equipment.

Job Requirements

• Degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience spanning mechatronics, software development, and project delivery.
• Strong programming ability in C++ (primary), with working proficiency in Python; comfort with C for embedded work.
• Hands-on experience with ROS/ROS 2 and robotics middleware concepts.
• Experience integrating industrial hardware — robots, PLCs, sensors, cameras — and familiarity with industrial communication protocols (OPC UA, Modbus, MQTT, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated project-management capability: able to plan, track, and deliver technical work independently and coordinate across stakeholders.
• Practical, systems-level troubleshooting skills across the hardware-software boundary.

Key Competencies

• Familiarity with Open-RMF or robotics interoperability frameworks, and awareness of relevant standards (e.g. TR 130:2025).
• Embedded development on STM32/ESP32/RP-class microcontrollers; PCB bring-up experience.
• Experience with containerised deployment (Docker), Linux systems, and networking fundamentals (segmentation, industrial networks).
• Exposure to computer vision or AI-based inspection systems.
• Prior experience in logistics, warehouse automation, or manufacturing-line integration.
• Experience working with or alongside an industry partner in an applied-research or deployment setting.