Postdoctoral Researcher (Robotics/AI Automation)

Location: Main Campus, College Station, Texas, United States

Company

Texas A&M Engineering and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station conduct basic and applied engineering research, workforce development, and technology transition through collaborations with industry, academia, and government.

What you will do

• Design the automation architecture for the Autonomous Robotic Metallurgist, including control layers, instrument communication, APIs, message schemas, and data formats.
• Develop PLC programs, HMIs, Python control software, industrial communication interfaces, and data capture for arc melting, hot rolling, and mechanical testing stations.
• Coordinate experimental plans from the Bayesian optimization engine, track execution, return structured results, and handle failed or partial runs.
• Design and commission robotic sample transfer between processing, characterization, and testing stations.
• Develop AI/ML-based control, scheduling, vision monitoring, fault recovery, safety interlocks, and fail-safe routines for unattended operation.
• Plan staged commissioning and simulation-based testing with the digital-twin team; publish research, present results, and mentor students.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree; a Ph.D. in robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, controls engineering, or a closely related field is helpful.
• Experience designing and integrating automated systems combining hardware, sensors, and control software.
• Hands-on PLC and HMI programming experience, preferably with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, or equivalent systems and IEC 61131-3 languages.
• Proficiency in Python, industrial communication protocols, feedback control, state machines, sequential logic, fault handling, APIs, and data pipelines.
• Experience with robotics, robot arms, ROS/ROS2, AI/ML-based control, Bayesian optimization, computer vision, safety PLCs, digital twins, or high-temperature/high-force equipment is helpful.
• Employment requires completion of U.S. Form I-9 verification and presentation of documents proving identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Culture & Benefits

• One-year appointment with renewal contingent on performance and funding.
• Medical, prescription, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options.
• Defined-benefit retirement plan with an 8.25% employer contribution, plus voluntary retirement programs.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave, along with flexible spending accounts.
• Training through LinkedIn Learning, professional development, tuition assistance, wellness programs, and educational release time.
• Collaborative research environment focused on higher education, engineering research, and public service.

Hiring process

• Submit a resume or CV, three work references including at least one supervisor or former supervisor, and a letter of interest if requested.
• Employment is contingent on credential verification, a criminal history check, and institutional screening procedures.