Robotics Engineer Intern for Construction Mobile Robot at Gramazio Kohler Research

Gramazio Kohler Research, the Departement of Architecture and Digital Fabrication at the Institute of Technology in Architecture, operates at the forefront of architectural design and production enabled through digital manufacturing techniques. We are looking for a talented Robotics Engineer to join the LAYERED team at ETH Zurich and help revolutionize automated construction at the chair of Architecture and Digital Fabrication. In this role, you will be driving the development of a state-of-the-art perception and locomotion/manipulation software stack operating our mobile manipulation platform to automate surface finishing tasks directly on the construction site. 

The platform serves to automate a critical step in construction, where cementitious plaster is sprayed and formed directly on interior walls of a building structure, a process that is otherwise laborious and at times hazardous. To this end, LAYERED proposes a mobile manipulator robotic system that can directly use the digital model of a building to autonomously plan and execute automated plastering while maintaining safety for humans in the environment. 

You will use your strong development skills to advance the existing prototype to be a robust system for 1:1 scale applications of the process. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to creatively investigate and apply new state-of-the-art methods to drive future evolutions of the system, working towards achieving full operational autonomy. Join us for this exciting and rewarding role and be one of the pioneering developers in an emerging field of construction robotics.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the ROS2 migration of the robotics software stack, ensuring compatibility and performance optimization.
• Contribute to the integration of hardware components, including sensors and actuators, into the new mobile platform.
• Develop and test perception, path-planning, and navigation modules to enhance system autonomy.
• Debug and deploy software on physical robotic hardware, ensuring robust system performance.
• Support field tests and experimental deployments in real-world environments.
• Collaborate closely with the engineering team to ensure seamless hardware-software integration.

What you bring to the team:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed an MS degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with robotics toolkits/middleware (e.g., ROS or ROS2)—this is a core requirement for the role.
• Proficiency in C++,Python or bothfor robotics software development.
• Good understanding of the building blocks comprising a robotics software stack such as state estimation, localization and mapping, navigation, motion planning, control, and simulation,
• Familiarity with relevant sensor modalities (IMU, LiDAR, cameras,  etc) and actuation systems,
• Experience working with Ubuntu and version control systems such as git,
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate within team using agile development (English proficiency is a requirement for this position),
• Comfortable working in an early-stage startup, being self motivated with a particular attention to details, and working within ambiguity,
• This job will require you to execute tasks that necessitate actions such as standing, kneeling, crouching, rotating the upper body, navigating through tight spaces in confined areas, and ascending/descending using hands and arms for support. This includes the capability to lift objects weighing up to 25 kg,
• Must be prepared to work in various environmental conditions, which include exposure to seasonal temperature variations and outdoor elements, in dusty and loud environments.

Nice to have qualifications:

• Experience migrating robotics software from ROS to ROS2.
• Familiarity with SLAM, trajectory optimization, and obstacle avoidance.
• Knowledge of tools for 3D geometry processing (e.g., Open3D, PCL).
• Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop testing and debugging on physical robotic systems.
• Previous experience with field testing or real-world robotics deployments.
• Familiar with Docker, cloud computing, or similar applications
• Familiar with data processing, logging, and visualization tools
• Familiar with optimization techniques (linear/quadratic/semidefinite/nonlinear optimization, etc)
• Familiar with system modeling (kinematics, dynamics, Euler-Lagrange, Newton-Euler, etc)
• Familiar with state estimation (sensor fusion, Kalman filters, etc)
• Familiar with deep reinforcement learning algorithms and software (PPO, TRPO, etc)

We strongly encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the qualifications listed in the job posting. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and believe the right candidate can bring unique strengths to our team.

LAYERED, an innovative spin-off of ETH Zurich from the Gramazio Kohler Research group, aims at building a diverse team from the fields of architecture, construction, and engineering. Our mission is to revolutionize the construction industry by developing advanced tools and processes aimed at addressing its significant challenges. Through digitization, we aim to enhance manual workflows, by improving the conditions for construction workers making practices safer, efficient and more sustainable.

This opportunity opens the door to joining a vibrant and diverse team at a cutting-edge research and development environment of construction robotics. At LAYERED, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a crucial part of our journey in a field that's reshaping the future.      

We deeply understand the significance of nurturing a healthy work-life balance, recognizing that our success will be built on the well-being and satisfaction of our team. We are flexible, encouraging a culture where every member feels valued and supported in their professional growth, personal development, and familial commitments. Our environment thrives on openness, a continuous eagerness to learn, and a collective aspiration to evolve, both personally and as a part of the LAYERED team. Join us, let's innovate and build together!

As an advocate for equality, ETH Zurich and LAYERED are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. It does not engage in discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or any other protected legal status.