Research Engineer - Robotics and Autonomous Systems - Vernova Research

GE Vernova • Elgin Township, IL

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About The Position

The Systems Engineer for Robotics & Autonomous Systems plays a key technical role within the Robotics & Computer Vision team at GE Vernova Advanced Research. This position works across Advanced Research, GE Vernova businesses, and external partners to define, build, and deploy advanced robotic and autonomous systems aligned with GE Vernova’s mission and the energy transition. This role focuses on full-system development — integrating sensing, actuation, software, and autonomy into robust robotic platforms. The Systems Engineer contributes across the lifecycle of research and development programs, from concept definition and system architecture through implementation, field deployment, and validation. The Robotics & Computer Vision team is known not only for technical excellence, but also for a collaborative, supportive culture. We value curiosity, mentorship, and mutual respect, and we aim to create an environment where people can do their best work while feeling supported as individuals. As a GE Vernova accelerator, Advanced Research drives strategy and leads research & development efforts to support the energy transition, partnering across businesses, government agencies, and external collaborators to deliver near-term impact and long-term breakthrough innovation.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or PhD in Systems Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in systems engineering, robotics, or autonomous systems development.
• Strong execution track record in sensor and actuator integration and robotic system development.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for system-level robotic software development.
• Experience with mobile robotic systems, including navigation, SLAM, and control.
• Familiarity with electronics communication protocols such as I2C, UART, Modbus, and CAN.
• Hands-on experience with hardware prototyping techniques including breadboarding, soldering, wire termination, and/or PCB design.
• Experience supporting laboratory and field testing of robotic systems, including data analysis and reporting.
• Strong problem-solving skills, sound technical judgment, and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.
• We will not sponsor individuals at the Masters or Bachelors level for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.
• Export Control: Because of the specific categories of data handled by GE Vernova Advanced Research and the structure of our work environment, we are unable to accommodate employment of persons while they are considered nationals of countries subject to comprehensive restrictions under the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 CFR Section 746 et seq. (currently North Korea, Syria, Iran, and Cuba).
• Note: Citizens of these countries who have either “U.S. person” status under U.S. export control laws or subsequent citizenship or permanent residency from a non‑restricted country can be considered.
• This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.

Nice To Haves

• Strong systems-thinking mindset with the ability to integrate complex hardware and software subsystems into reliable solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to translate high-level needs or ambiguous problem statements into actionable technical plans.
• Self-motivated and curious, with a willingness to explore new technical areas and approaches.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a highly collaborative research team.
• Interest in applying advanced robotics and autonomy to real-world industrial and energy applications.

Responsibilities

• Robotic Systems Design & Integration: Develop and integrate sensor and actuator systems for robotic applications, including design, testing, and validation of electromechanical systems, motion planning, perception, manipulation, and human-robot interaction. Integrate perception, motion planning, manipulation, control, and human–robot interaction capabilities into cohesive robotic systems. Apply systems engineering best practices to ensure seamless integration of hardware and software components.
• Software Development & System Programming: Lead system programming efforts using C++ and Python, with a focus on developing efficient, reliable, and scalable code for robotic systems. Develop and maintain software architectures that support modularity, reuse, and long-term system evolution.
• Autonomy, Navigation & Control: Design and implement mobile robot navigation, SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), and control algorithms. Enable autonomous operation across structured and unstructured environments, supporting research prototypes and field-deployed systems.
• Human–Machine Interfaces & Tools: Design and develop user-friendly Robotic Control GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) to interact with and control robotic systems, using tools such as Qt, ROS (Robot Operating System), or other relevant frameworks. Utilize frameworks and tools such as ROS, Qt, or equivalent to support operator interaction, debugging, and experimentation.
• Field Deployment & Testing: Plan, execute, and analyze field deployments and testing of robotic systems, including data collection, analysis, and reporting to stakeholders. Lead system-level testing, data collection, analysis, and synthesis of results. Communicate findings clearly through technical documentation and stakeholder reporting.
• Collaboration & Technical Leadership: Collaborate closely with researchers, engineers, and program teams across Advanced Research and GE Vernova businesses. Engage with internal and external thought leaders across the robotics technology stack to explore new concepts, applications, and research directions. Translate high-level customer or stakeholder needs into concrete technical requirements and development strategies.

Benefits

• GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation.
• Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services.
• Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants.
• Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.
• GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs
• GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion.
• No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level