Research Engineer in Robot Hardware and Mechanical Design

Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan · Full-time

Teknikringen 8, plan 5, Stockholm, Sweden

Duties In this position, you will develop, integrate, and test hardware for autonomous robotic systems, with a focus on mechanical design, electronics, embedded systems, and prototyping. The work encompasses CAD, sensors, actuators, motors, power supply, cabling, and PCB development. You will integrate the hardware with ROS2 and verify it in simulation and real-world environments; Python/C++ will be used primarily for deployment, testing, and hardware integration. The position is linked to the I-SEE project – Integrated Autonomy in Air, Surface, and Underwater Domains for Extreme Environments, which aims to reduce weather dependency, costs, and safety risks in marine AUV operations through applied AI for autonomous launch and recovery. The project develops collaboration between unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles. You will focus on the physical platforms and their mechanical and electrical subsystems for edge-based perception, distributed decision-making, operator support, and robust operation in demanding environments. The work also includes manufacturing, assembly, troubleshooting, documentation, and experiments in the lab and field. The position is located at the Department of Engineering Mechanics at KTH. You will collaborate with researchers, engineers, and external partners through design reviews, prototyping, testing, and iterative development. Qualifications Requirements Completed degree at advanced level (higher education) in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering, technical design, or a related field. Experience with embedded hardware or embedded systems, including integration of electronics, sensors, actuators, motors, or power supply. Very good knowledge of Python and/or C++ and practical experience with ROS2, particularly for testing, deployment, and hardware integration. Experience with practical testing and integration work in lab or field settings. Good ability to express yourself in speech and writing in English as it is required in daily work. Ability to travel within Sweden and Europe on business. Swimming proficiency. In the evaluation, we will look at: Technical skills in mechanical design and electronics Ability to design, integrate, and test robust robot hardware Ability to work methodically and safely in workshop, lab, and field Problem-solving and analytical skills in interdisciplinary design and integration challenges Collaboration ability Independence Personal Qualities As a person, you are self-driven, solution-oriented, and thorough. You readily switch between CAD, electronics and circuit board work, assembly, troubleshooting, and field testing. You have good collaboration skills and contribute to a positive and professional work environment. Meritorious Experience with drones, AUVs/ROVs, or other marine or mobile robotic systems. Experience operating vehicles and boats in practical field work in relevant environments (including relevant certifications for these). Experience in mechanical design and CAD, including dimensioning, material selection, and manufacturing documentation. Experience in electronics design and PCB, including schematics, layout, deployment, and troubleshooting. Experience with 3D printing or other prototyping methods and with Unity or other simulation environments. Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with particular focus on gender equality. We will place great emphasis on personal qualities. Become Part of KTH KTH shapes the future through education, research, and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in driving and participating in the transition to a sustainable society. Here you are offered the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic workplace with good working conditions and benefits. Gender equality, diversity, and equal treatment are matters of quality and a natural part of KTH's values as a university and state authority. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work and develop at KTH. Trade Union Representatives Contact information for trade union representatives. Application You apply through KTH's recruitment system. As an applicant, you have primary responsibility for ensuring that your application is complete when submitted. The application should contain: CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge. Copy of diploma and transcripts from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages. Brief statement of why you wish to conduct research, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximum 2 pages. The application must be received by KTH no later than the final application deadline at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time). About the Employment The employment is fixed-term according to agreement – up to 12 months, with start date by agreement. Other For information on the processing of personal data in connection with recruitment. It may occur that an employment at KTH is classified in a security class. If this applies to this particular employment, a security vetting of the applicant will be conducted according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585) with consent. In such cases, approval after security vetting is a requirement for employment. 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