Senior Research Scientist – Industrial Service Robotics

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This position reports to:

Research Team Manager - Sensor Solutions

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The work model for the role is: Hybrid.

We are seeking a scientist with expertise in mobile robot systems and their deployment in semi-structured environments. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team at ABB's Corporate Research Center in Mannheim, developing autonomous robotic solutions for industrial service applications such as inspection, maintenance support, and asset monitoring. Your work will help explore future applications of robotics and contribute to ABB's R&D strategy.

Your role and responsibilities:

• You evaluate priority use cases for industrial service robotics in close collaboration with ABB's divisions, academia and technology partners
• You design and develop service robot solutions built on commercial robot hardware platforms extending their capabilities for industrial environments
• You enable such robots to perceive and act (semi-)autonomously in industrial environments, building upon advanced sensing & perception technologies and physical AI
• You develop and maintain experimental setups in our labs, and conduct field trials and on-site validation at partner facilities
• You communicate complex technical results clearly to a wide audience, including technical experts, project partners, and general management
• You protect intellectual property through patent applications and publish scientific articles
• You continuously develop your technical expertise and extend your project management skills with training and on-the-job experience
• You maintain a broader overview of industrial robotics and scout novel technologies
• You initiate, lead, and contribute to applied research activities

Qualifications for the role

• You hold a PhD in robotics, electrical engineering, mechatronics, computer science, or a related field
• You have a track record of 3+ years programming and deploying mobile robot systems in semi-structured/unstructured environments and a solid understanding of robot kinematics
• You bring practical experience in system integration, system architecture, and ROS 2 (preferred) or equivalent robotic frameworks
• You have experience applying machine learning and/or physical AI to robot systems
• You have technical experience in one or more of the following fields:
  • Techniques for autonomous navigation, task planning and orchestration
  • Perception and sensing (e.g. LiDAR, depth cameras, sensor fusion)
  • Environment modeling and simulation (e.g. Gazebo, Isaac Sim)
  • Robotic manipulation and control
• Familiarity with functional safety principles and relevant standards is a plus
• You are proficient in English; German language skills are beneficial

Benefits

• Flexible work practices
• Career development and training opportunities, on and off the job
• In-house canteen
• Employee Share Acquisition Plan
• Mobility benefits, such as JobRad
• Retirement plan

Please note: in the case of equal suitability, people with severe disabilities and their equals are given preference.

ABB AG

+49 (0) 621 381 3500

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