Marine Robotics Engineer
Job no: 538540
Work type: Staff
Senior management: College of Engineering
Department: Electrical and ComputerEngineering
Location: Suffolk, Virginia
Categories: Engineering, Other, Research / Scientific
Job Description
The Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics (CMAR) at Virginia Tech seeks a Marine Robotics Engineer to design, develop, integrate, test, and deploy electrical, embedded, and software systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and related marine robotic platforms supporting sponsored engineering research. The position applies engineering principles to translate project requirements into assigned system designs, prototypes, and validated technical solutions.
Working with faculty, senior engineering and research personnel, students, and project collaborators, the engineer will carry out defined technical assignments with professional judgment and appropriate review of designs, testing, and safety-critical decisions. Work includes embedded electronics, firmware, power and communications, sensors, actuators, onboard computing, robotic software, and system-level integration. The position is a restricted staff appointment contingent upon continued funding and satisfactory performance.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, robotics, computer science, or a closely related field, and/or an equivalent level of training and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical, embedded, or robotic systems gained through coursework, capstone projects, undergraduate research, internships, or employment.
• History of working ability to develop, test, or troubleshoot software using a programming language such as Python, C++, or MATLAB, demonstrated through academic or applied projects.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret technical requirements, document engineering work, analyze test results, and communicate findings within a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to follow laboratory and field safety requirements and work collaboratively on technical projects.
• This position requires eligibility to access and handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which requires U.S. citizenship. The position may also require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with ROS/ROS2, Linux, Git, or embedded firmware development.
• Experience integrating sensors, actuators, motor controllers, onboard computers, or communications interfaces.
• Experience with marine robotic platforms, autonomous systems, field testing, or challenging-environment robotics.
• Experience with PCB design, autonomy, perception, localization, or system-level verification.
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$80,000-$105,000, Commensurate with Experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
November 25, 2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
Advertised: November 12, 2026
Applications close:
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