Associate Robotics AI Engineer (Entry Level)

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

We are seeking an early career Robotics AI Engineer to support fast-moving, IRAD-style projects at the intersection of artificial intelligence and robotic systems. This is a hybrid position located at our Columbus, OH headquarters.

You will apply AI, machine learning, computer vision, and autonomy algorithms to build robots, sensors, and advanced scientific instrumentation operating in complex environments across chemistry, biology, materials science, and cyber domains. This is a hands-on role working directly with physical hardware, developing solutions that perform in real-world conditions.

You will design and integrate AI-driven capabilities such as perception, navigation, sensor fusion, and autonomous decision-making, contributing to programs including Battelle’s DART system and PathPlan software. Over time, you will grow into ownership of end-to-end pipelines from sensor input to autonomous action.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate AI/ML models on robotic platforms (ground, aerial, maritime) for perception, navigation, and decision-making
• Integrate, calibrate, and troubleshoot sensors (cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, GPS, depth sensors) to support localization and mapping
• Apply sensor fusion and state estimation techniques to improve system reliability in dynamic environments
• Write production-quality code in Python and/or C++ within ROS/ROS2 and Linux environments, leveraging modern development tools
• Build and validate perception and autonomy pipelines in simulation and deploy to physical hardware through testing and iteration
• Deploy and optimize AI models on edge computing platforms for real-time inference
• Conduct field testing and resolve hardware-software integration issues under real-world conditions
• Contribute to rapid prototyping efforts supporting IRAD and mission-driven timelines
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate ambiguous requirements into working solutions
• Document designs, testing, and integration processes to support reproducibility
• Support research proposals and present technical findings to stakeholders and external audiences

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• 0 to 2 years of experience (including academic projects, internships, research, competitions)
• Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for robotics or autonomous systems
• Hands-on experience integrating software with physical sensors and hardware
• Foundational knowledge of AI/ML for physical systems (computer vision, planning, control, reinforcement learning)
• Experience with ROS or ROS2
• Familiarity with Linux and version control (Git)
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or relevant graduate research in robotics or AI
• Experience with embedded systems, real-time systems, or hardware-software co-design
• Hands-on work with simulation tools such as Gazebo, NVIDIA Isaac Sim, MuJoCo, or Webots, with experience bridging sim-to-real deployment.
• Familiarity with robotics data tools (rosbag, MCAP)
• Hands-on prototyping skills (3D printing, soldering, wiring, PCB work)
• Experience with AI/ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV)
• Background in robotics competitions, open-source contributions, or published research
• Exposure to multi-agent systems, human-robot teaming, or swarm robotics
• Familiarity with MATLAB or Simulink
• Interest in autonomy testing, validation, or safe AI systems
• Experience in government, defense, or applied research environments
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one

Salary Range & Compensation

• Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $72,000 to $100,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate’s salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers