SENSE Research Engineer

FUNCTION

You select, integrate and validate sensors, develop algorithms for perception or localization on mobile platforms (e.g. autonomously operating vehicles), and/or you create world models in which mobile platforms can move autonomously. You will help build prototypes to introduce new automation concepts in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and other sectors.

Autonomous platforms, whether driving or flying, have a lot of potential. In line with Industry 4.0, this allows complex functions to be automated, which – in turn – will lead to greater flexibility, safety, productivity and quality and/or lower costs. Operational tasks – such as a gripper that picks up products or cameras that predict crop yields – can be made more flexible and effective when mounted on autonomous driving platforms. In each research project, the researchers of Flanders Make can proudly demonstrate the latest technological possibilities on a working demonstration device. We present our demonstration devices to the public on various occasions throughout the year.

Develop world models or new algorithms for SLAM, localization and perception

As an expert or young talent in the field of world modeling and/or sensors for environmental perception and situational awareness, you will:

• Working together in a team with combined expertise in indoor/outdoor localization, navigation, robotics, adaptive & learning control, connectivity, mechanical & electrical design, signal processing, machine learning and/or artificial intelligence;
• Together with the team, explore new domains or possibilities around world modeling, SLAM, localization and perception algorithms and integrate them into prototypes;
• Take the lead in setting up working demonstration devices.

More specifically, for a variety of industrial cases (autonomous drones, tractors, forklifts, ...):

• Be involved in the automation challenge from A to Z;
• Develop, test and validate new algorithms (Python, C++) for perception, world modeling, map building, SLAM, and localization both in simulation and on demonstration devices;
• Select sensors (e.g. camera, GNSS, UWB, etc.) and provide integration of control programs;
• Discuss the ins and outs with your team members, including software and hardware requirements for components (e.g. sensor accuracy, speed, posture, calibration, etc.);
• Improve the interactions between hardware and software architectures using component, sequence, and deployment diagrams;
• Encrypt the interfaces to feed information about the operation of autonomous systems back to the system software and/or hardware solutions;
• Identify, analyze and solve system-related problems with a practice-oriented approach;

• Taking the lead in software design and debugging, where you will have the satisfaction of immediately seeing the effect of the repairs made;
• Demonstrate your working mobile platform to businesses on multiple occasions;
• Experienced engineers will also identify and present industrial challenges and research opportunities or coach young engineers and lead projects.

PROFILE

You have:

• A PhD/master's degree as an Industrial, Mechanical or Electrical Engineer or in another relevant field (Electronics-ICT, Electromechanics, Automation, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electronics, Automotive, ...) or equivalent through experience;
• Experience in selecting, reading, integrating and testing sensors that can be used for localization, situational awareness, environmental perception and semantic mapping, for example for applications on autonomously operating mobile platforms;
• Experience in creating world models based on simulation and/or in real-world environments using semantic information;
• Proven experience with Python;
• The ambition to further develop your skills in other programming languages (C++, etc.) in the course of your work and to acquire skills in the use of middleware such as ROS, MQTT brokers;
• Proficiency in working with the Linux operating system and with Command Line terminal operations.

You must also have:

• Broad knowledge of automation concepts. You will understand the basics of the related technologies and be able to interact with experts in their respective fields, e.g. computer vision, artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, robot programming, trajectory planning, motion control, status estimation and vehicle dynamics;
• The ability to quickly gain knowledge about the latest sensors.

You are

• A hands-on engineer;
• A team player;
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills;
• Result-oriented, responsible and self-managing;
• A good communicator;
• Passionate about research and new technologies;
• Eager to learn, in all of the above.

OFFER

• A challenging job, working with experts in different domains, using state-of-the-art infrastructure for autonomous systems, machine & vehicle dynamics, predictive control, data analytics and the development of software prototypes;
• An open corporate culture with short lines of communication;
• Research within a multi-stakeholder context;
• An enthusiastic, international team.

"As a prototype engineer, you form the bridge between groundbreaking research and real-world applications. Developing demonstration devices to show the immense potential of technology and innovations is a truly motivating job. Every day there are new opportunities to learn and grow. In other words, this role is an enriching journey of continuous development," says Remi, Associate Application Engineer at Flanders Make.

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