Scientific Assistant in Industrial Robotics and Manufacturing

The Advanced Manufacturing Lab (am|z) at ETH Zurich, led by Prof. Markus Bambach, is seeking a highly motivated Scientific Assistant to contribute to research and development in industrial robotics, automated manufacturing, and metrology.

We are looking for a candidate who combines strong programming skills with hands-on experience in robotic hardware, enjoys solving challenging technical problems, and can independently develop and implement robotic solutions.

The position offers the opportunity to take ownership of experimental robotic systems, develop innovative automation solutions, and contribute to scientific research in advanced manufacturing.

The Advanced Manufacturing Lab at ETH Zurich investigates innovative manufacturing technologies by combining robotics, automation, process engineering, and data-driven methods.

Our research aims to make industrial robotic systems more flexible, accurate, autonomous, and reliable. Applications include robotic manipulation, pick-and-place operations, and manufacturing processes such as welding, adhesive bonding, and drilling.

Beyond conventional robot programming, we investigate methods for improving robotic capabilities through sensing, metrology, calibration, process monitoring, and data-driven approaches. Our work combines the development of practical robotic systems with experimental validation and scientific investigation.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Independently develop, program, and operate industrial robotic systems for automated manufacturing and manipulation tasks
Design and implement robotic applications, including pick-and-place operations, welding, adhesive bonding, drilling, and related manufacturing processes
Integrate robotic hardware, including end-effectors, sensors, measurement equipment, tooling, and peripheral systems
Develop and maintain software for robot control, motion planning, and automation, using version control, automated testing, and deployment workflows
Design and implement automated data acquisition and processing workflows to collect, synchronize, visualize, and analyze robotic and manufacturing process data
Integrate metrology and sensing technologies to evaluate and improve robot positioning accuracy, calibration, repeatability, and process quality
Independently plan and conduct experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, and evaluate system performance
Contribute to scientific research by developing and validating novel methods, analyzing experimental results, and preparing scientific publications
Collaborate with researchers, students, and industrial partners on robotics and manufacturing projects
We are looking for an independent, technically skilled, and research-oriented engineer who enjoys working with real robotic systems and transforming ideas into functioning experimental solutions.

You should have:

A Master's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a closely related field
Hands-on experience in programming, operating, or integrating robotic systems, gained through research, academic projects, or industry
Strong programming skills, particularly in Python, C++, or comparable languages, with experience in developing and maintaining software for robotics and automation
A solid understanding of robotic kinematics, coordinate transformations, motion planning, and control principles
Practical experience with robotic hardware, including the integration, configuration, or troubleshooting of sensors, actuators, end-effectors, or mechanical components
Proficiency with Git and version control, along with familiarity with software testing and continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) workflows
Experience with experimental work, data acquisition, and analysis of measurement data
The ability to independently solve technical problems, combined with creativity, initiative, and a systematic approach to engineering challenges
A strong interest in scientific research and the development of innovative robotic technologies
Fluent English, both written and spoken
Knowledge of German is an advantage
The following qualifications would be an advantage:

Experience with industrial robots, such as ABB, KUKA, FANUC, or similar platforms
Familiarity with the Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS 2) or other robotics frameworks
Experience with robotic manufacturing applications, including manipulation, assembly, welding, adhesive bonding, machining, or drilling
Knowledge of robotic metrology, calibration, coordinate measurement systems, or robot accuracy assessment
Experience with machine vision, force/torque sensors, laser measurement systems, industrial communication interfaces, or real-time data acquisition
Familiarity with Linux, Docker, GitLab CI/CD, GitHub Actions, or similar software development and deployment tools
Experience with CAD, mechanical design, or the development of custom robotic tooling and experimental setups
Previous involvement in scientific research projects or publications
We particularly encourage applications from candidates who combine practical engineering skills, scientific curiosity, and the ambition to independently develop and investigate new robotic technologies.

At the Advanced Manufacturing Lab, you will join an interdisciplinary research environment combining robotics, mechanical engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

We offer:

The opportunity to work on challenging research problems involving industrial robotics, intelligent automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies
A high degree of technical and scientific independence, with the opportunity to take ownership of robotic systems and research activities from concept development to experimental validation
The freedom to contribute ideas, explore innovative approaches, and help shape ongoing research activities
Access to ETH Zurich's research infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration with experienced researchers and industrial partners
Opportunities for professional development, scientific publications, and international research exchange
The possibility of pursuing a PhD at ETH Zurich, subject to mutual interest, a suitable research topic, available opportunities, and fulfilment of ETH Zurich's doctoral admission requirements
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

Curriculum vitae (CV)
Motivation letter describing your experience and interest in robotics, automation, and manufacturing research
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Optional but encouraged:

Portfolio, GitHub repository, videos, or examples of previous robotics, automation, or hardware-related projects
Previous scientific publications, conference papers, research reports, or other examples of academic and research contributions
Further information about the Advanced Manufacturing Lab can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Jan Petrik, [email protected] (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

We particularly welcome applications that demonstrate hands-on experience with robotic systems, including examples of systems you have programmed, developed, integrated, or experimentally investigated.