Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $83,500 - Midpoint: $112,700 (Salaried E13)
Department/Organization: 750404 - AL Mobility & Power Research Center
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Job Summary: The Automotive and Controls Engineer provides advanced technical expertise supporting the design, integration, deployment, and operation of automated and autonomous systems for applied research, pilot-scale demonstrations, and instructional use. Leads the configuration and optimization of robotics platforms, AGVs, autonomous charging systems, sensors, and control software. Contributes to the development and deployment of of prototypes and experimental hardware and software systems. Troubleshoots autonomous platforms, control systems, networking, and embedded hardware.
Additional Department Summary: Works closely with faculty, students, and industry partners to translate applied requirements into functional systems, maintain shared automation infrastructure, and ensure reliable execution of research programs in robotics, autonomy, controls, and advanced power-enabled systems. Supports system architecture, component selection, and integration for robotics, AGVs, autonomous charging, sensors, and controls. Adapts industrial systems for research, pilot-scale, and instructional use across labs and testbeds. Translates industry requirements into research-ready technical scopes and milestones. Aligns faculty research objectives with applied industry needs and timelines. Designs and executes test plans including simulation, bench testing, and hardware-in-the-loop validation. Collects and documents system performance data to support research outcomes. Provides hands-on troubleshooting across hardware, software, power, controls, and networking. Supports setup and maintenance of robotics labs, autonomous testbeds, and pilot environments. Develops reusable system architectures, documentation, and standard operating procedures.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering and four (4) years of engineering experience; OR master's degree and two (2) years of engineering experience.
Skills and Knowledge: Ability to work effectively with faculty, students, and industry partners in a research environment. Strong technical documentation and communication skills. Strong troubleshooting skills across embedded systems, power, and controls
Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Controls, or a related field. Five (5) years of hands-on experience with automation, controls, robotics, or autonomous inference and decision making systems. Experience integrating hardware, software, sensors, actuators, and control systems. Experience in computer vision based autonomous systems. Experience with AGVs, autonomous mobile robots, industrial robotics, or autonomous charging systems. Experience in machine learning based advanced control systems. Familiarity with PLCs, industrial networks, ROS/ROS2, simulation tools, or hardware-in-the-loop testing. Experience supporting applied research, pilot deployments, or testbed environments. Familiarity with lab safety, risk assessments, and research compliance processes.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.
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