Scientific Assistant in Industrial Robotics and Manufacturing

About this position

Scientific Assistant in Industrial Robotics and Manufacturing

The Advanced Manufacturing Lab (am|z) at ETH Zurich, led by Prof. Markus Bambach, is seeking a highly motivated Scientific Assistant to contribute to research and development in industrial robotics, automated manufacturing, and metrology.

We are looking for a candidate who combines strong programming skills with hands-on experience in robotic hardware, enjoys solving challenging technical problems, and can independently develop and implement robotic solutions.

The position offers the opportunity to take ownership of experimental robotic systems, develop innovative automation solutions, and contribute to scientific research in advanced manufacturing.

Project background

The Advanced Manufacturing Lab at ETH Zurich investigates innovative manufacturing technologies by combining robotics, automation, process engineering, and data-driven methods.

Our research aims to make industrial robotic systems more flexible, accurate, autonomous, and reliable. Applications include robotic manipulation, pick-and-place operations, and manufacturing processes such as welding, adhesive bonding, and drilling.

Beyond conventional robot programming, we investigate methods for improving robotic capabilities through sensing, metrology, calibration, process monitoring, and data-driven approaches. Our work combines the development of practical robotic systems with experimental validation and scientific investigation.

Job description

Your main responsibilities will include:

Independently develop, program, and operate industrial robotic systems for automated manufacturing and manipulation tasks

Design and implement robotic applications, including pick-and-place operations, welding, adhesive bonding, drilling, and related manufacturing processes

Integrate robotic hardware, including end-effectors, sensors, measurement equipment, tooling, and peripheral systems

Develop and maintain software for robot control, motion planning, and automation, using version control, automated testing, and deployment workflows

Design and implement automated data acquisition and processing workflows to collect, synchronize, visualize, and analyze robotic and manufacturing process data

Integrate metrology and sensing technologies to evaluate and improve robot positioning accuracy, calibration, repeatability, and process quality

Independently plan and conduct experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, and evaluate system performance

Contribute to scientific research by developing and validating novel methods, analyzing experimental results, and preparing scientific publications

Collaborate with researchers, students, and industrial partners on robotics and manufacturing projects

Profile

We are looking for an independent, technically skilled, and research-oriented engineer who enjoys working with real robotic systems and transforming ideas into functioning experimental solutions.

You should have:

A Master's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a closely related field

Hands-on experience in programming, operating, or integrating robotic systems, gained through research, academic projects, or industry

Strong programming skills, particularly in Python, C++, or comparable languages, with experience in developing and maintaining software for robotics and automation

A solid understanding of robotic kinematics, coordinate transformations, motion planning, and control principles

Practical experience with robotic hardware, including the integration, configuration, or troubleshooting of sensors, actuators, end-effectors, or mechanical components

Proficiency with Git and version control, along with familiarity with software testing and continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) workflows

Experience with experimental work, data acquisition, and analysis of measurement data

The ability to independently solve technical problems, combined with creativity, initiative, and a systematic approach to engineering challenges

A strong interest in scientific research and the development of innovative robotic technologies

Fluent English, both written and spoken

Knowledge of German is an advantage

The following qualifications would be an advantage:

Experience with industrial robots, such as ABB, KUKA, FANUC, or similar platforms

Familiarity with the Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS 2) or other robotics frameworks

Experience with robotic manufacturing applications, including manipulation, assembly, welding, adhesive bonding, machining, or drilling

Knowledge of robotic metrology, calibration, coordinate measurement systems, or robot accuracy assessment

Experience with machine vision, force/torque sensors, laser measurement systems, industrial communication interfaces, or real-time data acquisition

Familiarity with Linux, Docker, GitLab CI/CD, GitHub Actions, or similar software development and deployment tools

Experience with CAD, mechanical design, or the development of custom robotic tooling and experimental setups

Previous involvement in scientific research projects or publications

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who combine practical engineering skills, scientific curiosity, and the ambition to independently develop and investigate new robotic technologies.

We offer

At the Advanced Manufacturing Lab, you will join an interdisciplinary research environment combining robotics, mechanical engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

We offer:

The opportunity to work on challenging research problems involving industrial robotics, intelligent automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies

A high degree of technical and scientific independence, with the opportunity to take ownership of robotic systems and research activities from concept development to experimental validation

The freedom to contribute ideas, explore innovative approaches, and help shape ongoing research activities

Acces