Research Scientist

At Meta Robotics Studio, we’re building the future of human connection and the technology that enables it. This means continuously inventing and developing technologies for the next generation of experiences. To continue our efforts in the path to AGI, and as we move closer to a future with intelligent robots and advanced AI models, we're hiring talent across a broad range of disciplines from robotics hardware to system software, machine perception, and artificial intelligence. These crucial projects and initiatives taken on by this team have never been done before, so you have a rare opportunity to help us create new ways people connect around the world. Meta Robotics Studios is seeking a Research Scientist who will do research & applied research to help lead concept innovation, design, development, and prototyping of novel robotics design and development, including electro-mechanical design and/or perception to control problems, as well as complex robotics that balance ergonomics, performance, reliability, and usability while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards. This role will be part of a cross-collaborative team responsible for initial concept development, analytical modeling, prototype design, construction, and testing; and it may involve research into Electromechanics, Sensor & Communication, and/or Planning & Control.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research advancing novel robotics design and development, including new components and/or processes that guide toward production-ready systems
• Drive the Robotics roadmap, exploring forward-looking ways to accelerate novel robotic architectures
• Design and Development: research mechanical and electrical design and analysis problems for robotics structure, new sensors, mechanisms, power transmissions, communication hardware/firmware and systems integration while balancing ergonomics, performance, reliability
• Research and design planning and control algorithms for executing actions to motors integrating sensors and actuations, frequently interacting with the Large Model (VLM/VLA) AI team and Mechatronics team
• Perform experiments of real and simulation robotic systems and debug the supporting parts manufacture, working with internal and external partners to support part fabrication and complex custom sub assembly
• Assembly of robot: hands-on partnership in the lab integrating research with construction of sub-assemblies into full system-level robot prototypes
• Failure analysis: build subsystem test fixtures, design tests, create test plans, perform tests, measure and analyze data, and refine design assumptions
• Develop novel mechanical contact sensors and research to understand the mechanics of materials
• Develop novel non-contact sensors and research to understand the underlying physics behind the sensors
• Develop communication hardware and firmware software
• Research and develop characterization/training sensors and calibration
• Research and design feedback controllers around the sensors and actuators
• Research and develop a planning algorithm that involves perception and collision avoidance
• Research and design feedback controllers around the sensors
• Collaboration: work closely with a cross-functional team of scientists & engineers to deliver technical solutions to novel problems, communicating and collaborating across disciplines

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
• PhD degree or equivalent experience in Robotics, Physical AI, or a similar field
• 5+ years experience in Robotics, Electro-Mechanical Design, Sensor & Communications, or a similar field
• Experience designing complex electromechanical assemblies (robotics, automotive, aerospace, industrial automation or a similar domain)
• Experience with Robotics and consumer electronic product design
• Experience with more than one of the following: motor design and control, digital control theory, optimization algorithms, feedback control algorithms, chip-level sensor design, gear-ratio optimization, dynamic system ID and machine learning
• Experience with organizational and analytical skills, driving technical strategy and execution in a fast-paced, high ambiguity environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with manufacturing processes and materials
• Experience in developing power electronics components for robotics systems (battery, power management circuit, and motor driver - field oriented control)
• Experience with SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX or similar CAD tools
• Experience in Convex Optimization tools and theories
• Experience in Machine Learning tools
• Proficient in C++ or Python programming
• Extensive knowledge of traditional mass production manufacturing processes, including the potentials and limitations of injection molding, metal injection molding, CNC, sheet metal, elastomer compression molding, die casting, thixomolding, MLBs fabrication, SMT, and/or FPCs fabrication
• Experience with automation equipment design and custom machine builds
• Experience in statistical process control
• Experience working in CM, JDM, and ODM/OEM development models
• Experience with simulation tools conducting Finite element analysis: Structural, Modal