Robotics Software Engineer

About Us: 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.

About the Role: 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.

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.

What you'll need:

• 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.

WORK Environment: Onsite - work is performed 100% onsite in Morris, MN.

SALARY RANGE : $75,920 - $81,120 DOQ

For a full job description, click "Apply" to visit the UMN career site.

What we provide:

• MN State Retirement System (MSRS) pension plan - tax-deferred.
• Thirteen paid vacation days per year (starting accrual rate), in addition to 13 paid sick days and 11 paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities cover 75% - 100% of eligible tuition.
• Excellent and affordable health care benefits.
• Wellbeing Program (reduction in annual premiums).
• Yearly merit increase program.
• Many professional development opportunities.

Click here for more information: https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/About-Working-U/Benefits-Working-U-M