Robotics Engineer for Construction Mobile Robot at Gramazio Kohler Research
Robotics Engineer for Construction Mobile Robot at Gramazio Kohler Research
60%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term
Gramazio Kohler Research, the Chair of Architecture and Digital Fabrication at the Institute of Technology in Architecture, operates at the forefront of architectural design and production enabled through digital manufacturing techniques. We are looking for a talented Robotics Engineer to join the LAYERED team at ETH Zurich and help revolutionize automated construction. In this role, you will be driving the development of a state-of-the-art perception and locomotion/manipulation software stack operating our mobile manipulation platform to automate surface finishing tasks directly on the construction site.
Project background
The platform serves to automate a critical step in construction, where cementitious plaster is sprayed and formed directly on interior walls of a building structure, a process that is otherwise laborious and at times hazardous. To this end, LAYERED proposes a mobile manipulator robotic system that can directly use the digital model of a building to autonomously plan and execute automated plastering while maintaining safety for humans in the environment.
Job description
You will use your strong development skills to advance the existing prototype to be a robust system for 1:1 scale applications of the process. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to creatively investigate and apply new state-of-the-art methods to drive future evolutions of the system, working towards achieving full operational autonomy. Join us for this exciting and rewarding role and be one of the pioneering developers in an emerging field of construction robotics.
Your profile
Responsibilities:
- Develop robust algorithms and software for robotic plastering with a mobile manipulator
- Propose and assess new state-of-the-art techniques from relevant research literature
- Support further hardware design and development for the robotic platform
- Perform rigorous experimental testing of software stack on real system
- Conduct extensive field testing and real-world system deployments
Minimum Qualifications:
- MS degree in robotics, computer science or electrical/mechanical/aerospace engineering
- 2+ years of experience in software development in C/C++ and Python
- Proficient understanding of the building blocks comprising a robotics software stack such as state estimation, localization and mapping, navigation, motion planning, control, and simulation
- Familiarity with relevant sensor modalities (IMU, LiDAR, cameras, etc) and actuation systems
- Experience deploying and debugging software on real robots or hardware systems
- Experience working with Ubuntu and version control systems such as git
- Experience with robotics toolkits/middleware such as ROS/ROS2
- Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate within team using agile development (English proficiency is a requirement for this position)
- Comfortable working in an early-stage startup, being self motivated with a particular attention to details, and working within ambiguity
- Capable of executing tasks that necessitate actions such as standing, kneeling, crouching, rotating the upper body, navigating through tight spaces in confined areas, and ascending/descending using hands and arms for support. This includes the capability to lift objects weighing up to 25 kg
- Must be prepared to work in various environmental conditions, which include exposure to seasonal temperature variations and outdoor elements, in dusty and loud environments
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in robotics or other relevant technical field
- 5+ years of experience in software development in C/C++ and Python
- 5+ years of experience developing robotic systems or relevant software/hardware systems
- Experience with Docker, cloud computing, or similar applications
- Experience with data processing, logging, and visualization tools
- Experience with toolkits/middleware such as ROS/ROS2, gRPC, LCM
- Experience with trajectory optimization, obstacle/collision avoidance, feedback control systems
- Experience with controller design (linear/nonlinear/optimal/robust control, LQR, DDP, MPC, etc)
- Experience with optimization techniques (linear/quadratic/semidefinite/nonlinear optimization, etc)
- Experience with system modeling (kinematics, dynamics, Euler-Lagrange, Newton-Euler, etc)
- Experience with state estimation (sensor fusion, Kalman filters, etc)
- Experience with deep learning software (PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc)
- Experience with deep reinforcement learning algorithms and software (PPO, TRPO, etc)
- Experience with geometry processing tools for 3D data manipulation, visualization, and analysis, (Open3D, PCL, CGAL, VTK, etc)
Your workplace
Your workplace
We offer
LAYERED, an innovative spin-off to be of ETH Zurich from the Gramazio Kohler Research group, will be composed of a diverse team from the fields of architecture, construction, and engineering. Our mission is to revolutionize the construction industry by developing advanced tools and processes aimed at addressing its significant challenges. Through digitization, we aim to enhance manual workflows, by improving the conditions for construction workers making practices safer, efficient and more sustainable.
This opportunity opens the door to joining a vibrant and diverse team at a cutting-edge research and development environment of construction robotics. At LAYERED, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a crucial part of our journey in a field that's reshaping the future. Situated in the city of Zurich, we ensure our team members enjoy fair salaries with incentives that reflect their valuable contributions.
We deeply understand the significance of nurturing a healthy work-life balance, recognizing that our success will be built on the well-being and satisfaction of our team. We are flexible, encouraging a culture where every member feels valued and supported in their professional growth, personal development, and familial commitments. Our environment thrives on openness, a continuous eagerness to learn, and a collective aspiration to evolve, both personally and as a part of the LAYERED team. Join us, let's innovate and build together!
As an advocate for equality, ETH Zurich and LAYERED are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. It does not engage in discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or any other protected legal status.
We value diversity
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following information:
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- Github profile
- Statement of experience
- Contact details of at least one reference
Please apply exclusively via the online application portal. Applications sent by e-mail or post will not be considered.
Further information about Gramazio Kohler Research can be found on our website. For further information, please contact Eliott Sounigo, e-mail: Write an email (no applications).
For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich applies.
About ETH Zürich
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following information:
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- Github profile
- Statement of experience
- Contact details of at least one reference
Please apply exclusively via the online application portal. Applications sent by e-mail or post will not be considered.
Further information about Gramazio Kohler Research can be found on our website. For further information, please contact Eliott Sounigo, e-mail: Write an email (no applications).
For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich applies.
