Research Engineer in Robotic Hardware and Mechanical Design

Job description

In this role, you develop, integrate, and test hardware for autonomous robots, focusing on mechanical design, electronics, embedded systems, and prototyping. Tasks include CAD, sensors, actuators, power, wiring, and PCB development. You interface the hardware with ROS2 and verify it in simulation and the field; Python/C++ is used mainly for bring-up, testing, and integration.

The position is part of I-SEE – Integrated Aerial–Surface–Subsurface Autonomy for Extreme Environments, which aims to reduce weather dependency, costs, and safety risks in marine AUV operations through AI-enabled autonomous launch and recovery. It links aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles. You will focus on physical platforms and mechanical/electrical subsystems for edge perception, distributed decision-making, operator support, and robust operation in demanding environments.

Based at KTH's Department of Engineering Mechanics, the role includes fabrication, assembly, troubleshooting, documentation, and lab/field trials. You will work with researchers, engineers, and external partners through design reviews, prototyping, testing, and iterative development.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A graduate degree in advanced level (higher education) in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering, engineering design, or another relevant field.
• Experience with embedded hardware or systems, including integration of electronics, sensors, actuators, motors, or power.
• Very good Python and/or C++ skills and practical ROS2 experience, especially for testing, bring-up, and hardware integration.
• Experience with hands-on testing and integration work in laboratory or field environments.
• Good ability to communicate in spoken and written English, as it is required in the day to day work.
• Availability to travel within Sweden and Europe.
• Ability to swim.

In the evaluation, we will consider:

• Expertise in mechanical design and electronics
• Ability to design, integrate, and test robust robotic hardware
• Ability to work safely and methodically in workshop, lab, and field settings
• Ability to solve interdisciplinary design problems and document technical solutions
• Collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently

Personal skills

You are self-driven, solution-oriented, and meticulous, and enjoy moving between CAD, electronics/PCB work, assembly, troubleshooting, and field testing. You collaborate well and contribute to a positive, professional environment. 

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with drones, AUVs/ROVs, or other marine or mobile robots.
• Experience with vehicles, boats, or practical field operations in relevant environments (inc. relevant licences).
• Mechanical design and CAD, including dimensioning, materials, and manufacturing documentation.
• Electronics and PCB design, including schematics, layout, bring-up, and troubleshooting.
• 3D printing or other prototyping methods and Unity or another simulation environment.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application should include:

• CV, including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of degree certificate(s) and transcripts from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish are required if the original documents are not issued in either of these languages.
• A brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals (max. 2 pages). 

Your complete application must be received by KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The employment is valid for a limited time according to the agreement - for up to 12 months, with access according to agreement.

Other information

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence. 

1. Ivan Stenius, [email protected]