Robotics Software Engineer- Morris MN

Offer Range: $36.50 - $39.00 ($75,920 - $81,120)
Standard Hours: 40 hours per week

This position is 100% on site, located in Morris, MN. The purpose of this position is to assist a team of researchers developing a robotic vehicle to autonomously follow crop rows using advanced navigation, perception and control systems. This position will be the primary software developer and tester for the team.

Job duties
Create software for robot navigation and operation - 85%

• Develop and Refine the Perception System: Maintain, train, and improve machine learning models for robust crop row detection. Implement post-processing techniques on segmentation masks to enhance lane-finding accuracy.
• Develop and implement sensor fusion and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithms, integrating data from sources like GPS, IMU, and LiDAR to achieve robust vehicle localization.
• Implement, test, and tune navigation controllers (primarily the visual servoing controller, PID) to ensure smooth, stable, and accurate row-following behavior.
• Oversee the integration of all system components, including a Jetson controller, IFM controller, cameras, angular encoder, and other sensors with ROS2. Calibrate sensors as needed.
• Develop and maintain robust communication interfaces between the high-level software stack and low-level hardware controllers and actuators.
• Perform hands-on testing of the robot in the field to validate system performance, troubleshoot issues, and gather data for improvements.
• Document code, system architecture, and operational procedures to support ongoing development and collaboration.

Assist with fabrication of robot electrical and mechanical systems - 10%

Duties as assigned - 5%

• Will be expected to back up and cross train with other renewable energy staff members and help with outreach events.

Required

• BA/BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or similar technical field plus at least five years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least nine years.
• Strong programming proficiency in Python and/or C++.
• Significant hands-on experience with the Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS2).
• Solid experience with computer vision libraries (OpenCV) and deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, CUDA)
• A firm grasp of control theory and its practical application in robotic systems.
• Familiarity with robotic hardware, sensors, and actuator integration.
• Proficiency with simulation environments like Gazebo or Isaac Sim.\
• Experience with embedded computing platforms, particularly the NVIDIA Jetson family.
• Ability to occasionally work for extended periods in outdoor environments and to travel occasionally.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.

Preferred

• An advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or similar technical field.
• Experience with autonomous vehicle or mobile robotics projects.
• Knowledge of advanced control techniques like Image-Based Visual Servoing (IBVS).
• Familiarity with industrial programming environments such as CODESYS.
• Experience with model optimization techniques (e.g., quantization, TensorRT) for real-time inference.

The University of Minnesota's West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) is located in Morris, MN. The WCROC is part of the University of MN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences providing a tradition of excellence in applied agricultural research and education for farmers and rural communities in crop production, animal sciences, horticulture, water quality, organic and conventional dairy, swine production, and renewable energy.

Pay Range: $36.50 - $39.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).