New

Research Engineer

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Oct 03, 2026
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community. Job Summary The Gharib Group seeks a Research Engineer to help develop the next generation of autonomous systems for real-world robotics applications - designing, integrating, and testing new concepts across aerial, ground, and hybrid vehicles. The work spans perception and control algorithms, electrical and mechanical design, simulation, and trade studies, and extends to putting those algorithms on real hardware: low-level firmware and driver development, system architecture and integration, and both lab-based and field robotics. The role suits a generalist whose knowledge spans several disciplines and offers wide exposure across the group's projects at both a practical and a theoretical level. The Engineer will also serve as lead for small project teams, reporting to faculty and mentoring graduate students. Essential Job Duties Autonomy software development: Full-stack autonomy software for wheeled, flying, and hybrid vehicles: perception, sensor fusion, control and navigation algorithms; hardware drivers; simulation. Hardware design and integration: Electrical and mechanical design, 3D modeling and rapid prototyping, low-level firmware and driver development, system architecture and integration. Testing and field campaigns: Leading lab and field test campaigns, deploying code on physical hardware, operating robots, and meeting performance and robustness requirements for field use. Project leadership and mentoring: Managing small engineering teams across aerial, terrestrial, and hybrid robotics projects; mentoring junior lab members. Documentation and trade studies: Written documentation and solution-space trade studies of new designs to guide future research in the lab. Basic Qualifications Master of Science in Computer Science or Engineering or related Engineering field. Professional or research experience in C++ and Python programming, controls, perception, and field robotics, including deploying and operating robotic hardware outside the lab. Preferred Qualifications Practical experience in field robotics and real-world systems deployment. Software development with Linux, Robot Operating System (ROS), OpenCV, CI/CD, and embedded systems. Mechanical design and CAD, including SolidWorks and Autodesk. Breadth across several engineering disciplines - a generalist who adapts quickly to unfamiliar fields. FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate, or experience operating uncrewed aircraft for research. Required Documents Resume Hiring Range $63,000 to $89,000 per year The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks. EEO Statement Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and, as a federal contractor, takes affirmative action to employ qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Disability Accommodations Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position. If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu. Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.