Career opportunities at SDR Innovations

Role Overview

We are seeking an innovative and driven Robotics Systems Engineer with advanced graduate training (MS or PhD for Staff Scientist) to design, develop, and deploy intelligent robotic systems. In this role, you will bridge cutting-edge research and practical engineering, tackling complex challenges in autonomous navigation, control, perception, and system integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Algorithm & Software Development: Design, implement, and optimize core robotics algorithms for motion planning, trajectory optimization, localization (SLAM), or sensor fusion.
• System Integration & Testing: Integrate software stack components onto physical robot platforms and conduct rigorous hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing in simulation and real-world environments.
• Research to Deployment: Adapt novel academic techniques into robust, production-ready software modules.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with hardware, electrical, and perception teams to define system requirements, architecture, and validation protocols.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.
• Core Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in C++ and/or Python in a Linux environment.
  • Deep experience with ROS / ROS 2 and robotics simulation frameworks and haptics systems
  • Strong background in at least one key domain: Kinematics/Dynamics, Controls, Path Planning, SLAM, or Computer Vision / Perception.
• Hands-on Experience: Track record of working with physical robotic platforms (e.g., manipulators, mobile robots, drones, or autonomous vehicles).
• Mindset: Strong analytical problem-solving skills, rapid adaptability to complex systems, and clear technical communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) applied to robotics (e.g., reinforcement learning, object detection).
• First-author publication record in top robotics conferences (e.g., ICRA, IROS, RSS) or patent contributions.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) or embedded microcontrollers.

Role Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the end-to-end design, structural analysis, and manufacturing transition of complex mechanical systems. In this role, you will bridge the gap between initial concept and mass production—using SolidWorks for 3D modeling, advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for optimization, and deep manufacturing expertise to bring scalable, cost-effective products to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Optics Engineering: Familiarity with optics and electrical interfaces is desired.
• 3D CAD Design & Modeling: Design robust mechanical components, structural frames, and custom enclosures using SolidWorks, strictly applying GD&T (ASME Y14.5) for high-precision manufacturing.
• FEA & Structural Validation: Conduct linear/non-linear static, fatigue, modal, and thermal FEA simulations to validate performance and optimize designs prior to tooling or fabrication.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFA): Optimize parts for specific fabrication methods (CNC machining, sheet metal forming, injection molding, die casting, and additive manufacturing) to minimize unit cost and cycle time.
• Prototyping & Shop Floor Support: Hands-on fabrication, assembly, and testing of initial prototypes. Design custom assembly tooling, jigs, and test fixtures to support production line setup.
• Vendor & Supply Chain Collaboration: Partner closely with external machine shops, toolmakers, and contract manufacturers. Manage vendor feedback, evaluate tooling trials, and resolve design-related production bottlenecks.
• Engineering Documentation: Create production-ready 2D drawing packages, Bill of Materials (BOMs), assembly instructions, and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree (MS) in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Core Technical Skills:
  • SolidWorks Proficiency: Advanced 3D CAD modeling, surface design, weldments, sheet metal, and 2D detail drawing generation.
  • FEA Mastery: Strong hands-on experience using FEA tools (SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, Abaqus) to drive design decisions and prevent field failures.
  • Hands-on Manufacturing Experience: Demonstrated experience bringing designs from CAD through physical prototyping to full-scale manufacturing.
  • An understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and material selection (metals, plastics, composites).
• Tooling & Process Knowledge: Familiarity with CNC programming/machining limits, injection mold design guidelines, sheet metal bend deductions, and joining technologies (welding, fasteners, adhesives).

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong design experience using SolidWorks CAD platforms. Ability to perform basic linear Finite Element Analysis for structure substantiation preferred.
• Experience with quality control methods, first-article inspection (FAI), CMM inspection reports, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Experience conducting physical correlation tests (e.g., strain gauge measurements, vibration testing) to calibrate FEA models against real-world shop data.

Send your resume to careers@spacedefensetech.com!