At the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), it is our
engineers and technicians who drive the breakthroughs that define
our success. The members of our technical staff collaborates
closely with leadership and multidisciplinary teams to design,
build, and deploy sophisticated robotic solutions that address
complex challenges in industrial, commercial and government
sectors. Each project benefits from their expertise, creativity,
and hands-on problem-solving, fueling progress and innovation
across the organization.
As part of our dedicated team, you will work alongside world-class
robotics professionals committed to pushing the boundaries of
technology and redefining ideas into solutions for real-world
applications. We foster a culture of professionalism, respect, and
collaboration, offering a flexible and encouraging environment
where you can sharpen your skills, lead impactful projects, and
take control of your career development.
We are seeking a dynamic Systems Engineer to collaborate with team
leaders across Carnegie Mellon University’s NREC. In this role, you
will guide projects from conception through deployment, applying a
pragmatic systems engineering approach in a fast-paced,
rapid-development environment. You will balance technical rigor
with agility, whether driving a single large-scale initiative or
guiding multiple concurrent development efforts.
Successful applicants bring cross-disciplinary experience with deep
technical strength in a core area, paired with the curiosity and
initiative needed to help teams navigate complex technical hurdles.
Your work may span machine operator assistance, agricultural
automation, autonomous systems, or critical safety frameworks for
commercial and defense clients. This is an exciting opportunity for
someone who thrives in a fast-paced and innovative setting. In this
role, you will be instrumental in transforming cutting-edge
concepts into field-ready robotic systems, ensuring our team
delivers exceptional and groundbreaking results.
Your primary responsibilities are to:
- Define high-level and detailed requirements, establish
priorities, and deliver projects successfully through collaboration
with key partners, business managers, and engineers to build
consensus around architectural solutions,
Lead team members in effort analysis, issue resolution, change
and risk management, quality assurance making use of tracking
tools, methods, and software development systems such as Jira,
Confluence, Bitbucket, and other custom tools.
Lead creation and maintenance of documentation and model-based
system engineering artifacts over the entire project lifecycle for
systems that span several hardware and software fields at an
appropriate level of fidelity.
Guide and perform engineering tasks including design and trade
studies.
Support system testing and functional demonstrations.
Perform project management tasks including scheduling,
staffing, and budgeting in collaboration with project manager for
large projects or independently for smaller projects.
Contribute to organization-wide methods and standard
methodologies for system and project engineering.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or related field, or
equivalent experience
- 1-3 years of professional experience which includes
demonstrated systems engineering skills
- Demonstrated success in leading, working, and collaborating
within a team
- Self-motivated, curious, and failure-seeking to achieve
continuous improvements and solve problems
- Demonstrated ability to apply critical big picture thinking in
completing tasks
- Highly organized with the ability to work on multiple
projects/tasks simultaneously and remain agile given changing
priorities
- Practices attention to detail, respect for documentation
accuracy, and information sharing
- Energetic and hands-on leader
We especially want to hear from you if you have experience or
qualifications in any of the following areas:
- Experience with the development of a complex system such as for
robotics and automation in a variety of industries, power plant
design, rail control systems, automotive systems, or similar.
- Experience with development operations, configuration
management, quality assurance, procurement management, or release
management
- Software development experience
- Experience with procurement of custom equipment or services and
acceptance of procured items
- Experience with applying industry standards and verification
and validation methods
- Experience with system modeling and requirements management
tools and methods
- Experience with use of engineering development tools typical
for each subject area including software version control (git),
project task tracking (Jira), and data and document/design
configuration systems (various)
- Experience with scoping of development projects and use of
project tracking tools
Other Requirements:
- Successful pre-employment background check
This position will require work on a variety of projects,
including projects that involve military/defense applications
and/or are funded by military/defense sponsors.
Are you interested in joining our versatile team at NREC where you
will have a direct impact on operations and meaningful
projects?
Join a collaborative environment where your hands-on skills,
leadership, and mentorship will directly influence operations and
inspire the next generation of innovators.
Why NREC?
At NREC, you will shape the robotics revolution by tackling
real-world challenges in agriculture, manufacturing, defense,
energy, and much more. You will work alongside top robotics
experts, develop ground breaking technologies, and see your
solutions deployed in the field.
NREC at a Glance:
- Located in Pittsburgh or “Roboburgh”, a hub for over 120+
robotics companies
- 30+ years of pioneering robotics research
- 150+ professionals driving innovation and real-world
impact
- Part of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute,
a global leader in robotics
NREC also leads in educational outreach through its
Robotics
Academy , which develops curricula and software for K–12 and
college-level students. You will also have opportunities to engage
with these student groups through outreach activities.
As part of our team, you will have the flexibility to grow your
career - whether becoming a technical expert, leading projects,
mentoring others, or exploring new pathways and making an impact in
developing technologies that drive progress, improve safety and
transform industries.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional
benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of
benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and
vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer
contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits , take well-deserved breaks with
ample paid time off and observed holidays , and rest easy with life and accidental
death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus
pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate
childcare needs, fitness center access , and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore
our Benefits page .
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending
offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and
responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge
gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique
skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about
more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your
professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an
exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Position Type
Staff – Regular
Full Time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
More Information:
- Please visit “ Why Carnegie Mellon ” to learn more about
becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change
the world.
- Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
- Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity
Employer/Disability/Veteran .
- Statement of Assurance
