HERL Mechatronics Engineering Postdoctoral Associate
- University of Pittsburgh
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- Job Number: 7319642 (Ref #: 25006026)
- Posting Date: Newly posted
- Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Job Description
The University of Pittsburgh/U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) is a collaborative venture advancing rehabilitation technology. Committed to enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities, HERL merges expertise from academia and the VA system. Our mission is to innovate, design, and implement cutting-edge technologies, promoting mobility, accessibility, and improved quality of life for people with disabilities. Through interdisciplinary research, HERL strives to empower individuals and shape the future of assistive technology.
HERL is seeking a highly qualified Postdoctoral Associate to join the mechatronics engineering team on a major sponsored research project focused on innovative assistive technologies aimed at enhancing mobility and accessibility for people with disabilities. The initial appointment is for one year with the opportunity for reappointment. This position is suited for candidates with a strong foundation in mechanical, electronics, and/or robotics engineering. The incumbent must show leadership, flexibility, and initiative.
Specific duties include:
• Creating and presenting concept designs to the research team.
• Performing mechanical, structural, and materials analysis using CAD/CE tools (e.g., SolidWorks, ANSYS, Autodesk).
• Analyzing and validating the platform’s kinematics and dynamics behavior using multi-body dynamics, FEA, and control systems modeling (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).
• Assembling and bench testing of hardware components and full-scale prototypes.
• Performing sensor calibration, actuator testing, and data acquisition to evaluate mechanical and electrical system performance against design specifications.
• Collecting and analyzing experimental data for validation of simulation models and identification of design improvements.
• Collaborating with the engineering team to integrate mechanical subsystems with embedded control architectures, sensors, and actuators.
• Preparing detailed maintenance reports and technical documentation.
• Contributing to authoring or co-authoring manuscripts, presenting findings, and knowledge dissemination.
• Writing or assisting in grant proposals.
• Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
Requirements
A PhD in one of the following engineering fields is required: mechanical, electrical, mechatronics, aerospace, manufacturing, bioengineering-biomedical (product design focus), or engineering mechanics. The following skills and experience are strongly preferred:
• Proficient in CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, etc.) and rapid prototyping techniques.
• Experience in kinematic/dynamic modeling and system analysis (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS, or similar tools).
• Preferred experience with embedded systems, sensors, actuators, and communication protocols (e.g., UART, I2C, SPI, CAN)
• Hands-on experience in prototype fabrication, bench testing, and data-driven performance validation.
• Experience with systems integration involving hardware and software elements.
• Evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Some record of publication.
Incumbent must successfully complete a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs background check. To apply, please submit your CV, a cover letter, and a list of three references with their contact information. Please apply through requisition # 25006026 through join.pitt.edu.
HERL is seeking a highly qualified Postdoctoral Associate to join the mechatronics engineering team on a major sponsored research project focused on innovative assistive technologies aimed at enhancing mobility and accessibility for people with disabilities. The initial appointment is for one year with the opportunity for reappointment. This position is suited for candidates with a strong foundation in mechanical, electronics, and/or robotics engineering. The incumbent must show leadership, flexibility, and initiative.
Specific duties include:
• Creating and presenting concept designs to the research team.
• Performing mechanical, structural, and materials analysis using CAD/CE tools (e.g., SolidWorks, ANSYS, Autodesk).
• Analyzing and validating the platform’s kinematics and dynamics behavior using multi-body dynamics, FEA, and control systems modeling (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).
• Assembling and bench testing of hardware components and full-scale prototypes.
• Performing sensor calibration, actuator testing, and data acquisition to evaluate mechanical and electrical system performance against design specifications.
• Collecting and analyzing experimental data for validation of simulation models and identification of design improvements.
• Collaborating with the engineering team to integrate mechanical subsystems with embedded control architectures, sensors, and actuators.
• Preparing detailed maintenance reports and technical documentation.
• Contributing to authoring or co-authoring manuscripts, presenting findings, and knowledge dissemination.
• Writing or assisting in grant proposals.
• Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
Requirements
A PhD in one of the following engineering fields is required: mechanical, electrical, mechatronics, aerospace, manufacturing, bioengineering-biomedical (product design focus), or engineering mechanics. The following skills and experience are strongly preferred:
• Proficient in CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, etc.) and rapid prototyping techniques.
• Experience in kinematic/dynamic modeling and system analysis (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS, or similar tools).
• Preferred experience with embedded systems, sensors, actuators, and communication protocols (e.g., UART, I2C, SPI, CAN)
• Hands-on experience in prototype fabrication, bench testing, and data-driven performance validation.
• Experience with systems integration involving hardware and software elements.
• Evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Some record of publication.
Incumbent must successfully complete a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs background check. To apply, please submit your CV, a cover letter, and a list of three references with their contact information. Please apply through requisition # 25006026 through join.pitt.edu.
