Robotics Software Engineer

Acknowledgement of Country

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Child safety

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The opportunity

CSIRO’s Data61 is the digital technologies and data science arm of Australia’s national science agency. With around 400 staff and 300 affiliates, it houses one of the world’s largest R&D teams in AI, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, and software engineering. Focused on impact-driven research, Data61 collaborates across disciplines and industries to tackle global challenges through digital innovation.

This software engineering role is within the Robotic Perception and Autonomy Group, advancing dexterous manipulation through software development, research collaboration, and system integration. Responsibilities include data collection, robotic system handling, interface development, software creation, and project delivery.

Your duties will include:

• Research and Development:
  • Collaborating with early-career researchers to develop and integrate innovative methods.
  • Analyzing and adapting state-of-the-art models for dexterous manipulation.
  • Integrating pre-trained foundation models to enable broad task manipulation.
• Data Collection and Robot Handling:
  • Conducting data collection activities to support research objectives.
  • Operating and handling robotic systems for hands-on experimentation.
  • Developing natural interfaces for efficient human-robot interaction.
• Software Development:
  • Creating software modules to support robotic manipulation in new domains.
• Project Delivery:
  • Contributing to project pipelines that require learning-based manipulation skills.
  • Ensuring alignment with project objectives and timelines.

Location: Pullenvale (Brisbane, Queensland)

Salary: AU$73k - AU$94k per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference: 98848

To be considered you will need:

Essential:

Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science or equivalent
• Strong programming skills, particularly in languages commonly used in robotics (e.g., Python, C++) and proficiency with Robot Operating System. Experience with the development of web-based applications.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with natural language processing with frontier models.
• Experience with pre-trained models and their application to robotics, including language models and human interfaces.
• Familiarity with robotic manipulation and data collection methodologies.

Desirable

• Expertise in robotics, machine learning, or a related field.
• Experience with pre-trained models and their application to robotics, including language models and human interfaces.
• Familiarity with robotic manipulation and data collection methodologies.
• Experience with foundation models for robotics or manipulation tasks.
• Proficiency in developing modular, reusable software components.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

16th February 2025, 11:00pm AEST.