As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. We are seeking a hands-on Research Engineer to develop, integrate, and deploy a vendor-agnostic robotics connectivity layer that links smart automation systems, sensors, and warehouse management platforms within a live logistics environment.

Key Responsibilities

Participate in and manage the research project with Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI and the research team members to ensure all project deliverables are met.
Undertake these responsibilities in the project:
Design, develop, and integrate the robotics connectivity layer: middleware nodes, protocol interfaces (OPC UA, Modbus, MQTT), and data pipelines between automation systems, embedded devices, and backend systems, using ROS 2.
Develop station-level integration across the programme's automation processes - interfacing robots, sensors, PLCs, and vision systems into a common, standards-aligned framework.
Build and maintain conformance test tooling to validate that vendor systems and interfaces meet the programme's connectivity specifications.
Develop embedded software/firmware for data-capture endpoints and support custom electronics bring-up.
Support deployment, commissioning, and site-acceptance testing at the industry partner's facility, including troubleshooting in a live operational environment.
Maintain technical documentation, interface specifications, and version-controlled codebases to a standard that supports long-term maintainability and knowledge transfer.
Coordinate with technical leads, the industry partner's engineering team, and vendors to keep integration on schedule.
Carry out Risk Assessment, and ensure compliance with Work, Safety and Health Regulations.
Coordinate procurement and liaison with vendors/suppliers.
Work independently, as well as within a team, to ensure proper operation and maintenance of equipment.

Job Requirements

Degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
At least 5 years of relevant experience spanning mechatronics, software development, and project delivery.
Strong programming ability in C++ (primary), with working proficiency in Python comfort with C for embedded work.
Hands-on experience with ROS/ROS 2 and robotics middleware concepts.
Experience integrating industrial hardware - robots, PLCs, sensors, cameras - and familiarity with industrial communication protocols (OPC UA, Modbus, MQTT, or equivalent).
Demonstrated project-management capability: able to plan, track, and deliver technical work independently and coordinate across stakeholders.
Practical, systems-level troubleshooting skills across the hardware-software boundary.

Key Competencies

Familiarity with Open-RMF or robotics interoperability frameworks, and awareness of relevant standards (e.g. TR 130:2025).
Embedded development on STM32/ESP32/RP-class microcontrollers PCB bring-up experience.
Experience with containerised deployment (Docker), Linux systems, and networking fundamentals (segmentation, industrial networks).
Exposure to computer vision or AI-based inspection systems.
Prior experience in logistics, warehouse automation, or manufacturing-line integration.
Experience working with or alongside an industry partner in an applied-research or deployment setting.

Research Engineer / Fellow (Robotics) - KK1