The George Washington University, in partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is offering a PREP Research Associate position focused on robotics, perception, and 3D machine vision. This opportunity is ideal for Master’s students or recent graduates in engineering who are passionate about advancing the field of robotic automation and machine vision. The successful candidate will join the Intelligent Systems Division in Gaithersburg, MD, and work at the intersection of academic research and federal standards, contributing to the development of metrics that will shape the future of manufacturing.

Key responsibilities include integrating robot arms and bin-picking systems into the NIST/ISD testbed, programming collaborative robots, utilizing ROS2 for visualization and control, and researching the impact of variables such as part color, surface properties, and bin depth on system performance. The role also involves using advanced metrology systems like laser trackers and CMMs for reference measurements, designing and optimizing 3D-printed artifacts, and analyzing data with Python, MATLAB, and Spatial Analyzer.

Applicants should have or be nearing completion of a Master’s degree in an engineering discipline, with strong skills in Python, Java, or C#, experience with Linux and MATLAB, and familiarity with ROS2, CAD (SolidWorks/OnShape), and 3D point cloud processing tools (PCL, CloudCompare). A solid foundation in robot kinematics, DH parameters, and 3D sensors (LiDAR/RGBD) is required. The position offers a unique chance to work on cutting-edge manufacturing research, present findings at major conferences, and collaborate with leading experts at both GWU and NIST.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) paid position based in Gaithersburg, MD. While specific funding details are not provided, the role offers significant professional development and networking opportunities in robotics and automation. Interested candidates should apply via the provided application link and ensure they meet the technical and educational requirements.