Mechanical Engineer

Starting Date: As soon as possible, depending on applicant’s availability.

IHMC is currently seeking engineers and scientists for the design of wearable devices, including passive and actively actuated exoskeletons, designed around enhancing human performance. Over the last 17 years, IHMC has developed a variety of legged systems ranging from bipedal robots like M2V2 and the Planar Elliptical Runner to legged exoskeletons like Quix. IHMC is also a demonstrated leader in research focusing on human performance, and is currently establishing a new human performance center. Individuals hired will work as part of both our interdisciplinary team on the design and development of new wearable robotics for improving human capabilities

Current project goals include the development wearables that focus on extending the working life of DOE Environmental Management personnel by reducing the load on the musculoskeletoal system. This includes working with Sandia National Labs and Georgia Tech to analyze and improve limitations of existing wearables. It also involves the development of a novel powered lower-body exoskeleton that aims to assist EM workers in the carrying of heavy PPE loads. Other projects include continuing our research on mobility assistance devices for individuals with spinal cord injuries. The particular focus here is to understand the limitations of current approaches and how these are affect the physical capacity of the user.

To make these projects successful, we are currently seeking individuals with backgrounds in mechanical design, controller and software development, biomechanics, and human factors.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Ideal Candidate: We are seeking individuals who are passionate about wearable robotics and exoskeletons and have experience working on multi-disciplinary teams to develop new, cutting edge wearable systems for the improvement of human performance. Applicants must be capable of functioning both in a tight-knit team and independently for extended periods of time. The ideal individual will have been involved in the development of exoskeletons in the past, including experience designing and conducting human-subject testing. Applicants must also have good communication and documentation skills, and thrive in both a team and individual environment. Applicants should have a general knowledge of prototype development and prototype fabrication techniques, from machining to 3d printing, as well as focusing on minimizing weight while maintaining durability. Applicants should also have familiarity with failure analysis, and would preferably have experience in designing with composites and advanced manufacturing.  Applicants should have experience with standard mechatronics and control theory, robot kinematics, dynamics, and control concepts. Applicants should also have a working knowledge of human factors and human biomechanics.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or similar, with 2 plus years of experience.
  • Authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with articulated robots. To include:
    • Ergonomic assessments
    • Biomechanical assessments
  • Experience working with wearable systems.
  • Experience with electromechanical systems, sensors, motors.
  • Experience designing and conducted human-subject testing.
  • Experience designing physical interfacing for exoskeletons.
  • Knowledge of human biomechanics.
  • Knowledge of human factors.

To Apply:

Email to ihmchpopp@ihmc.org with the subject line “Exoskeleton 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”

In the cover letter:

  • Description of a robot system you worked on. 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.us

Location: Florida 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.