Visiting Research Engineer - Coordinated Science Laboratory
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Visiting Research Engineer - Coordinated Science Laboratory
Coordinated Science Laboratory
Job Summary
Develop new and maintain existing robotics hardware and software systems and laboratory facilities for research and education. Support user-facing infrastructure (e.g., reservation systems, safety protocols) for robotic equipment and laboratories. Support translation of research into creation of new usable systems, serving community stakeholders including the students and faculty in the Center for Autonomy, the Grainger College of Engineering, and the Coordinated Science Laboratory.· Hardware and software development and maintenance
o Develop and build new hardware and software for research and education (e.g., developing novel prototypes/methods as part of research projects, conducting experiments, contributing to research design, implementing and evaluating new algorithms/sensing pipelines, etc.).
o Develop, maintain, and evolve robotics platform software and device drivers to support research workflows, including rapid prototyping of new capabilities, integration of emerging hardware/sensors, and instrumentation for data capture and experimental evaluation; design and support shared robotics infrastructure; and coordinate with stakeholders (e.g., EngrIT) to ensure operational readiness.
· Laboratory equipment and facilities maintenance
o Research and implement hardware and software upgrades as necessary, working with equipment providers and service providers (e.g., Vicon, Optitrack motion capture systems, networking)
o Design and implement facilities upgrades as necessary, working with facility managers, equipment providers, and service providers
· Research Communication
o Contribute to publications, technical reports, visualizations, and documentation in collaboration with scientists.
o Communicate findings from research development activities above with project colleagues, primary investigators, to be used as needed in current programming and design efforts.
· Training researchers and students on robotics equipment
o Develop safety guidelines to operate equipment and shared facilities.
o Develop instructions and tutorials to operate equipment and shared facilities
o Assume other appropriate related duties to further the mission of the center and laboratory
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 1 year of experience in hardware-software system integration
• 1 year of experience working in a research laboratory environment
• CAD, machining, and assembly experience
• Linux experience
Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree in engineering, design, computer science, or related field
• 2 years of experience in system integration in robotics, including actuators, sensors, and microcontrollers
• 2 years of experience working in a research laboratory environment
• Broader computing experience (e.g., computer systems, networking, data acquisition and analysis, software engineering)
• Proficiency developing hardware drivers (e.g., ROS, Arduino, serial communication, motor controllers, industrial controllers)
• Professional entrepreneurship experience, including direct engagement with students pursuing innovate projects
• Experience working on interdisciplinary projects
• Experience working with faculty to develop educational systems with practical exercises (lab context, experiment setup, etc.)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated skills in mechanical, power electronics, and circuit design
• Proficiency in CAD, machining, and precision assembly
• Working knowledge regarding the interplay between mechanical, electrical, and computational engineering requirements
• Ability to communicate effectively with others
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 4/6/2026. Salary range for this position is $80,000 to $100,000. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on April 6, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Drennan at jldrenna@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1034812
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu