Research and Development Engineer

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 1 TX (004756)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_189867

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

10/23/2025 4:17:29 PM

Date Last Edited:

10/23/2025 4:17:14 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1130O

Organization:

HENRY SAMUELI SCHOOL ENGR & APPL SCIENCE

Division Code:

1131D

Division:

ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIEN DIV

Department:

020500 - MECHANICAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_189867

Position Description ID

245490

UC Payroll Title:

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 1 TX (004756)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

TX: Technical

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

4 - Staff: Limited

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1.00

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40054827

Reports to Payroll Title:

Academic Title

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40046576

Department Head Payroll Title:

Academic Title

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of and in collaboration with the PI, (i) utilize expertise in robotics, mechatronics, coding, and software to support tactile-driven robot experiments and testing of shared autonomy human-robot systems having remote human operators endowed with visuotactile feedback, (ii) collaborate with a multi-

institutional research team to meet project milestones and deadlines, and (iii) document hardware and software deliverables.

This position is a 100% Limited appointment for up to 18 months. In accordance with UC policy, this position is not eligible for conversion to Career status.

As a leading Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department in the country and around the world, our faculty and students conduct trailblazing research in broad interdisciplinary areas of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: from rockets and spacecraft, to robots, medicine, advanced materials, energy and sustainability.

Support research efforts

1) Support the development of project demonstrations for stakeholders 2) Support research involving (i) tactile-driven robot experiments and (ii) testing of shared autonomy human-robot systems having remote human operators endowed with visuotactile feedback 3) Collaborate with other researchers on multi- institutional projects

60%

Support project

management efforts

1) Participate in weekly project team meetings in order to meet project milestones and deadlines 2) Assist in the preparation of weekly written research project updates 3) Assist with the preparation of annual program reviews, summary reports, and project demonstrations

15%

Provide administrative

support for lab

infrastructure

1) Maintain compliance with lab safety and maintenance requirements (e.g., annual inspections, cybersecurity updates) 2) Write README documents for new processes and/or equipment 3) Document hardware and software deliverables 4) Assist with the onboarding of new project team members

15%

Assist fellow lab

members

1) Provide technical guidance to fellow lab members through feedback on experimental methods, tools, and data analysis

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Associate's Degree

Preferred

Or

Bachelor's Degree

or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required

Or

Master's Degree

Preferred

Robotics – hands-on experience with real robot hardware, mechatronics, and hardware/software interfaces

Required

Coding and software design -- experience with computer languages such as Python and C/C++, proficiency with ROS2, experience with GitHub, and

Required

experience with the design of machine learning, perception and/or control algorithms for robots

Required

Mechatronics design -- experience with CAD-based design, circuit design, and prototyping of electromechanical devices

Required

Training in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or other robotics- related field.

Required

Demonstrated ability to manage simultaneously a wide range of active research projects and responsibilities, to adapt to evolving research priorities, to set and achieve goals, and to meet project milestones and deadlines

Required

Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively (in person and remotely) with others having diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets

Required

Strong written and oral technical communication skills

Preferred

System integration – experience with the development of hardware drivers and unit tests for the systematic integration and testing of multi-component hardware systems

Preferred

Computer vision -- experience with image processing methods and machine learning techniques for pattern recognition

Preferred

Tactile sensing -- experience with tactile sensing hardware and machine learning techniques for tactile perception

Preferred

Wearable devices -- experience with hardware and software for wearable devices (e.g., motion capture devices, haptic displays, headsets)

Preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

420 Westwood Boulevard

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.