Systems Engineer - NREC

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!

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