Research Engineer in Robotic Systems for Aerial and Underwater Domains

Job description

In this position, you will work with the development, integration, and testing of autonomous robotic systems, with a focus on software, embedded systems, and practical field operations. The work includes programming in Python and C++, development in ROS2, integration with embedded hardware, and verification in both simulation and real-world environments.

The position is connected to the project I-SEE – Integrated Aerial–Surface–Subsurface Autonomy 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 work includes development of multi-domain systems where unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles collaborate, with a focus on edge-based perception, distributed decision-making, operator support, and robust performance in realistic and demanding environments.

The role also includes participation in experiments, trials, and demonstrations of robotic systems in both lab and field environments. The work is carried out in close collaboration with researchers, engineers, and external partners in a dynamic development environment where prototyping, testing, and iterative development are central parts of the role.

You can read more about what’s included in a Research position in the Employment Regulations

Qualifications

Requirements

• MSc degree in a relevant field.
• Very good knowledge of Python and/or C++.
• Practical experience with ROS2.
• Experience working with embedded hardware/embedded systems.
• Good ability to communicate in spoken and written English since it’s used in daily work.
• Availability to travel within Sweden and Europe.
• Ability to swim is required.
• Technical expertise
• Ability to develop, integrate, and test advanced robotic systems
• Ability to work practically and in a structured way in experimental environments
• Ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams
•  Ability to work independently

As a person, you are self-driven, solution-oriented, and meticulous. You enjoy working both practically and analytically, and you are able to switch between software development, hardware integration, and field testing. You have good collaboration skills and contribute to a positive and professional working environment

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in the development or testing of drones.
• Experience with vehicles, boats, or practical field operations in relevant environments (inc. relevant licences).
• Experience with CAD.
• Experience with 3D printing and prototyping.
• Experience with Unity.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application should include:

1. CV, including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
2. Copy of degree certificate(s) and transcripts from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish are required if the original documents are not issued in either of these languages.
3. A brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals (max. 2 pages). 

Your complete application must be received by KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The employment is valid for a limited time according to the agreement - for up to 12 months, with access according to agreement.

Other information

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.