Job Description

Job Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Research Associate or Engineer to join our research team at the Intelligent Robotics and Autonomous Systems (IRAS) Lab at the University of Cincinnati. The candidate will collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and other researchers to design, develop, and test advanced robotic or mechatronic systems. This role involves substantial hands-on work, from concept development to hardware fabrication, and requires expertise in both mechanical and electrical designs. The candidate will contribute to both research and the prototyping of innovative robotic solutions for real-world applications. This is a research grants funded position and hence, the continuation of this position will be based on the availability of research funds. Since the position is funded by research grants from the US Space Force, only US citizens are eligible for the position.

Essential Functions
Work with the IRAS Lab director and graduate students to conceptualize and prototype robotic systems.
Design and fabricate mechanical components for robots, including custom frames, mounts, grippers, and other components.
Utilize CAD tools to model and support the design of robotic parts and assemblies.
Develop, build, and integrate robotic hardware systems, including actuators, sensors, microcontrollers, and custom electronic circuits.
Use prototyping methods such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting to rapidly iterate on hardware designs.
Support software integration and testing for robotic systems (using languages such as Python, C++, and ROS).
Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair hardware and driving software for ongoing research project.
Conduct experimental testing to evaluate robotic functions, performance, ensuring reliability and robustness of designs.
Provide technical guidance and hands-on training to undergraduate and graduate students working in the lab environment.
Manage and maintain the lab equipment, including robots, measurement instruments, sensors, and prototyping tools.
Required Education
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or engineering technology.

Required Experience
Three (3) years of experience in related field, process or discipline.

Additional Qualifications Considered
Master's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or mechatronics.
Experience of working in academic or research labs with robotics hardware.
Knowledge of practical feedback control methods and robot kinematics.
Experience of working with machine learning, computer vision, or autonomous systems.
Publications or contributions to robotics research, focusing on hardware design and experimentation.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.
Compensation and Benefits

UC offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.

Competitive salary range dependent on the candidate's experience.
Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
Flexible spending accounts and an award-winning employee wellness program, plus an employee assistance program.
Financial security via our life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, annual holidays, and winter season days in addition to paid parental leave.
Tuition remission is available for employees and their eligible dependents.
Enjoy discounts for on and off-campus activities and services.


As a UC employee, and an employee of an Ohio public institution, if hired you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. Instead, UC employees have the option to contribute to a state retirement plan (OPERS, STRS) or an alternative retirement plan (ARP).