Research engineer
myScience
Publication date:
22 April 2025Workload:
100%- Place of work:Lausanne
Research engineer
Published 16 April 2025 Workplace Lausanne, Lake Geneva region, Switzerland CategoryInnovation
Computer Science
Position Computer Science
Engineer / Technician
EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.
· Maintain and manage the lab facilities and associated equipment, including drones, motion capture systems, and safety infrastructure.
· Perform regular inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance of hardware and software used in the arena.
· Assist academic staff, researchers, and students in setting up experiments and tests within the lab.
· Ensure the facility complies with all health and safety standards and regulations.
· Conduct risk assessments for activities within the facility and develop safety procedures.
· Train users on safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
· Coordinate access for visitors, external collaborators, and industry partners.
· Maintain accurate records of facility usage, incidents, and equipment inventory.
· Support funding applications and project proposals related to facility development or drone research.
The candidates should hold a degree (BSc, MSc, or higher) in a relevant discipline such as Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Technical Skills:
· Experience with aerial robotics systems, including drone operation, design, or programming.
· Knowledge of motion capture systems, flight controllers, and simulation software (e.g., ROS, Gazebo, PX4, or ArduPilot).
· Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, C++, or MATLAB.
· Basic understanding of electronics and mechatronics for drone maintenance and repair.
Health and Safety Expertise:
· Experience conducting risk assessments and developing health and safety procedures.
· Knowledge of safety standards relevant to drone operations and testing environments.
Soft Skills:
· Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse stakeholders, including students, researchers, and external partners.
· Problem-solving mindset and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues independently.
· Desirable Attributes
· Previous experience in managing or operating a similar research facility or lab.
· Familiarity with collaborative research environments, especially in academia or industry.
· A passion for innovation in aerial robotics and a proactive approach to exploring emerging technologies.
· Competitive salary and excellent working conditions.
· Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research in one of the most dynamic scientific institutions in Europe
A brief cover letter (pdf, up to 2 pages).
And in one PDF:
Contract Start Date : as soon as possible
Activity Rate : 100.00
Contract Type: CDD
Duration: 1 year
Reference: 1312
Personnel Scientifique (FR), Personnel Scientifique, Internal only
Mission
The Laboratory of Sustainability Robotics (LSR) of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne (EPFL) searches a motivated and skilled Research Engineer to manage and maintain our state-of-the-art Flight arena for testing and validating of aerial robotics and drone technologies. This facility supports various research projects, academic coursework, and collaborations, making it a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment. The successful candidate will oversee operations, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and contribute to the advancement of drone research and development.Main duties and responsibilities
The main activities to be carried out as part of the project include:· Maintain and manage the lab facilities and associated equipment, including drones, motion capture systems, and safety infrastructure.
· Perform regular inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance of hardware and software used in the arena.
· Assist academic staff, researchers, and students in setting up experiments and tests within the lab.
· Ensure the facility complies with all health and safety standards and regulations.
· Conduct risk assessments for activities within the facility and develop safety procedures.
· Train users on safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
· Coordinate access for visitors, external collaborators, and industry partners.
· Maintain accurate records of facility usage, incidents, and equipment inventory.
· Support funding applications and project proposals related to facility development or drone research.
Profile
The candidates should hold a degree (BSc, MSc, or higher) in a relevant discipline such as Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Technical Skills:
· Experience with aerial robotics systems, including drone operation, design, or programming.
· Knowledge of motion capture systems, flight controllers, and simulation software (e.g., ROS, Gazebo, PX4, or ArduPilot).
· Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, C++, or MATLAB.
· Basic understanding of electronics and mechatronics for drone maintenance and repair.
Health and Safety Expertise:
· Experience conducting risk assessments and developing health and safety procedures.
· Knowledge of safety standards relevant to drone operations and testing environments.
Soft Skills:
· Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse stakeholders, including students, researchers, and external partners.
· Problem-solving mindset and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues independently.
· Desirable Attributes
· Previous experience in managing or operating a similar research facility or lab.
· Familiarity with collaborative research environments, especially in academia or industry.
· A passion for innovation in aerial robotics and a proactive approach to exploring emerging technologies.
We offer
· A stimulating and international working environment in the EPFL campus/Lausanne.· Competitive salary and excellent working conditions.
· Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research in one of the most dynamic scientific institutions in Europe
Informations
Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered. You are asked to supply:A brief cover letter (pdf, up to 2 pages).
And in one PDF:
- A CV with a publication list.
- A research statement (pdf, up to 3 pages).
- Contact details for 3 referees.
For any further information, please contact: mirko.kovac@ epfl.ch
Contract Start Date : as soon as possible
Activity Rate : 100.00
Contract Type: CDD
Duration: 1 year
Reference: 1312
Personnel Scientifique (FR), Personnel Scientifique, Internal only
In your application, please refer to myScience.ch and referenceJobID67084.
