Legged Robot Controls Algorithm Developer

IHMC is currently seeking legged control system engineers to aid in the development of new algorithms for our state-of-the-art legged robots. The robotics team has been working on legged robots for the past 17 years, including placing second in the DARPA Robotics Challenge, providing support for the NASA Space Robotics Challenge, developing legged systems like the M2V2 biped and the Mina V2 exoskeleton, to now working on the design and autonomy for our new Nadia humanoid robot. This candidate will work full time with the robotics team on various bipedal and quadrupedal robots, including the Boston Dynamics DRC Atlas humanoid, NASA JSC Valkyrie humanoid, MIT MiniCheetah quadruped, and IHMC Nadia humanoid robot.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Ideal Candidate:

Ideal candidate must be passionate about legged robots, dedicated to writing clean, readable software, and have an engineering degree and 2 years or more experience working in controlling robots. Candidate should have experience with standard control theory, robot kinematics, dynamics, and control concepts, and Object Oriented programming. Preference will be given to candidates that have developed control algorithms for dynamic legged robots. Applicants must have good communication and documentation skills, and thrive in both a team and individual environment.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering major, with controls focus

  • 2 years of experience developing control algorithms for robotic systems

  • Authorized to work in the United States

  • Able to program in C, C++, or Java

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in an engineering major, with controls focus

  • Experience developing controls algorithms specifically for legged robotic systems.

  • Experience in planning and optimization algorithms, including but not limited to A*, RRT, convex optimization, and nonlinear optimization

  • Experience bringing up new robotic platforms

  • Familiarity with version control systems such as Git

  • Experience with low-level control systems, such as actuators

  • Experience integrating with external software packages

  • Experience writing and utilizing modularized software processes communicating over ROS

  • Experience writing software using the Test Driven Development practice

  • Experience integrating with perception sensors

  • Experience working with hydraulic systems

To Apply:

Email to robotjobs@ihmc.org with the subject line “Legged Controls Position – YourLastName” and include the following:

  1. Current resume in pdf format. Name your file: “YourLastName_Resume.pdf”.

  2. Cover letter in pdf format. Name your file: “YourLastName_CoverLetter.pdf”

  3. Download this Pre-Interview Questionnaire pdf, fill it out and attach it.

In the cover letter:

  • One to two page essay describing why you want to be a developer of control algorithms for legged robots, what makes you qualified, and what you see as the major challenges to achieving legged robots that are as capable as their biological counterparts.

  • Description of a control system or robot software you implemented. Preferably a link to a web page describing your system, a published paper, and/or software examples.

  • Provide email and phone number for three (3) professional references.

**Application is considered incomplete until all items are submitted.**

Questions:robotjobs@ihmc.org

Location: Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), Pensacola, FL

IHMC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.