Laboratory Engineer Robotics and Simulation (m/f/d) — ETH Zürich

Full description

Laboratory Engineer Robotics and Simulation (m/f/d)

100%, Zurich, temporary

Connect high-performance simulation with real robots – for the production of tomorrow!

In the Advanced Manufacturing Lab (am|z) of ETH Zurich, we are exploring the production of the future – at the interface of robotics, physical AI, high-performance computing and manufacturing technology. Our open, interdisciplinary team of about 25 colleagues combines pioneering spirit with the most modern infrastructure. As of January 1, 2027, we are looking for you as a laboratory engineer: in (100%): a technology-enthusiastic personality who builds, operates and further develops our HPC/GPU-based simulation and robotics workflows – thus bridging the gap between numerical process simulation and real robotic systems.

The employment is initially on a temporary basis, with the possibility of a transfer to a permanent employment relationship.

Create the bridge between high-performance simulation and real robotics with us – we look forward to your application!

Job description

In this key role, you will be responsible for the technical basis of our research – from our own simulation software to the HPC/GPU infrastructure to robot-assisted production tests in the laboratory.

Simulation & HPC

• Development, maintenance and performance optimization of own numerical simulation software (SPH, MPM) for complex manufacturing processes – including large deformations, contact, material flow and non-linear material behavior as well as validation and benchmarking
• Establishment, operation and further development of the HPC/GPU infrastructure: parallelization with CUDA, MPI and/or OpenMP, profiling and automation of large simulation campaigns on clusters (job scheduling, data management)
• Transfer of real process, machine and material properties into numerical models, planning of measurement and validation strategies and participation in the construction of digital twins

Robotics & Physical AI

• Integration of high-resolution process simulations in robotics and physical AI environments such as MuJoCo or Genesis as well as development of stable interfaces to robot models, sensors, control and learning algorithms
• Construction and technical support of robot-assisted production tests: integration of robots, end effectors and force/moment sensors, implementation of trajectories and control concepts as well as coupling of simulation and experiment
• Support for Physical AI workflows (e.g. Reinforcement Learning, Imitation Learning, Sim-to-Real) through efficient simulation and training pipelines

Support & laboratory infrastructure

• Technical advice, training and support for researchers, doctoral candidates and students in simulation, HPC, robotics and experimental setups
• Ensuring sustainable scientific software development (version management, testing, CI/CD, container, documentation, reproducibility)
• Participation in the selection, procurement, commissioning and maintenance of computer, robotics, sensor and laboratory components

Profile

• University degree (MSc or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Computational Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Computational Science or a related field
• Several years of practical experience in numerical simulation and scientific software development (C++, Python)
• In-depth experience with SPH and/or MPM and in Computational Mechanics
• Very good knowledge of HPC/GPU computing (CUDA, MPI, OpenMP, SLURM)
• Safe handling of Git, Docker and CI/CD workflows
• Experience in robotics (kinematics and dynamics), control technology and trajectory planning as well as with sensors and robot hardware
• Practical experience with ROS 2
• Experience with manufacturing processes and their modeling
• Experience with Physics Engines such as MuJoCo or Genesis as well as with Physical AI methods (e.g. Reinforcement Learning, Sim-to-Real)
• Strong analytical and systematic thinking as well as high problem-solving competence
• Independent, responsible and careful working with a focus on reproducible research and sustainable technical solutions
• Enjoying interdisciplinary cooperation, knowledge exchange and technical support for researchers and students
• Very good knowledge of English; our working languages are German and English

We offer

• A versatile key role at the interface of robotics, physical AI, HPC and manufacturing technology with a large scope for design
• Working with state-of-the-art infrastructure – from GPU/HPC resources to robot-assisted laboratory manufacturing tests
• An open, interdisciplinary and international team
• The employment is initially on a temporary basis, with the possibility of a transfer to a permanent employment relationship.
• Flexibility due to moving working hours
• Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive changes in society
• An extensive training offer
• Your workplace is located in the Technopark Zurich, Kreis 5
• You can expect numerous perks, such as public transport subscriptions and car sharing, a wide range of sports services from the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension services.

Diversity and sustainability are important to us

In line with our values, ETH Zurich supports an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunities, value diversity and cultivate a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all employees and students. On our website on equal opportunities and diversity, you will learn how we ensure a fair and open environment in which everyone can develop and flourish. Sustainability is a key value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? We are too.

We look forward to your online application with the following documents:

• Letter of motivation
• CVC
• Diplomas and employment certificates
• Optional: Links to relevant software projects (e.g. GitHub) or publications

More information about Advanced Manufacturing can be found on our website. For information, Prof. Dr. Markus Bambach, e-mail [email protected] (no application documents), is at your disposal.

Please apply exclusively via the online application portal. Applications by e-mail or by post will not be considered.

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

For recruitment agencies, the terms and conditions of ETH Zurich apply.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the best technical science universities in the world. We are known for our excellent teaching, groundbreaking basic research and the direct transfer of new findings into society. More than 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find an environment that promotes independent thinking and a climate that inspires excellence. In the heart of Europe and globally networked, we jointly develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

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