Robotics engineer F/M for service robotics experiments in real life scenarios

Robotics engineer F/M for service robotics experiments in real life scenarios Download job offer in PDF format Contract type : Fixed-term contract Level of qualifications required : PhD or equivalent Fonction : Temporary scientific engineer Context The position is funded by the PEPR O2R, a national French program to advance research in robotics which reunites several French laboratories in robotics, AI, and Social and Human Sciences. In this context, the HUCEBOT team in INRIA is leading the project AS3, with the challenge to carry out longitudinal (i.e., several months) experiments of service robotics in real-life scenarios. THe team already conducted preliminary studies with a mobile robot, Shelfy, serving coffee in the cafeteria or handing free goodies in corridors. We look for a robotics engineer to assist the team in continuing the experiments. We will continue serving breakfast, delivering mail or items in offices, interact with visitors, etc. Later, the experiments will take place in a hospital environment. The objective of these experiments is to investigate the behavior of the humans around the robots, and also improve the robot's autonomous skills in interaction, control, navigation, manipulation. The team is international - English and French speaking. French is desirable for this position, because the engineer will have to interact with passersby and asks questions. The laboratory is located in the Science and Technology Campus of the University of Lorraine, next to the Botanical Gardens, at 20 minutes by public transportation or bike from the Nancy train station and City Center. Nancy is a University town, with a high quality of life and a vibrant student and expat community. Assignment The engineer will be responsible for the robotics platforms used in the project (Shelfy, TiagoPro, but potentially also humanoid G1), making sure the contributions from all the partners are integrated at the software level on the robot. He will also supervise all the experiments, making sure the platform behaves safely in the real environment. To this end, an important objective will be to improve and maintain the teleoperation interface station that enables the engineer to supervise the robot in Wizard of Oz mode. The engineer will have to develop/improve/maintain the software running on the robot, mostly improving on the existing software that is used and developed by the team for navigation, control, and manipulation. Running the experiments in the lab will require potentially deploying environmental sensors and handling network issues (changes in the network, delays, etc.). An important task will be to realize all the field experiments. To do so, the candidate should like robot learning, HRI, and collaborative work. All the development will be in ROS/ROS2. Main activities • Leading and executing the robot experiments in the field • Write code to perform experiments with robots • Write software documentation • Conduct experiments in the real environment, with real robots • Participate to national (PEPR) and European projects events (meetings, hackathons) when appropriate Skills • Experience with machine learning, vision, or real robots is ideal. • HRI experience. • Familiarity with robotic platforms (e.g., ROS/ROS2, Gazebo), sensors, cameras, and hardware. • Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++ and/or Python is required. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Good communication and writing skills in English. Benefits package • Subsidized meals • Partial reimbursement of public transport costs • Leave: 7 weeks of annual leave + 10 extra days off due to RTT (statutory reduction in working hours) + possibility of exceptional leave (sick children, moving home, etc.) • Possibility of teleworking (after 6 months of employment) and flexible organization of working hours • Professional equipment available (videoconferencing, loan of computer equipment, etc.) • Social, cultural and sports events and activities • Access to vocational training • Social security coverage Remuneration From €2692 gross/month (depending on experience and qualifications). Apply for this position Share • Facebook • Linkedin • Twitter • Email General Information • Theme/Domain : Robotics and Smart environments Software engineering (BAP E) • Town/city : Villers lès Nancy • Inria Center : Centre Inria de l'Université de Lorraine • Starting date : 2027-01-01 • Duration of contract : 12 months • Deadline to apply : 2026-11-07 Warning : you must enter your e-mail address in order to save your application to Inria. Applications must be submitted online on the Inria website. Processing of applications sent from other channels is not guaranteed. Instruction to apply Defence Security : This position is likely to be situated in a restricted area (ZRR), as defined in Decree No. 2011-1425 relating to the protection of national scientific and technical potential (PPST).Authorisation to enter an area is granted by the director of the unit, following a favourable Ministerial decision, as defined in the decree of 3 July 2012 relating to the PPST. An unfavourable Ministerial decision in respect of a position situated in a ZRR would result in the cancellation of the appointment. Recruitment Policy : As part of its diversity policy, all Inria positions are accessible to people with disabilities. Contacts • Inria Team : HUCEBOT • Recruiter : Ivaldi Serena / serena.ivaldi@inria.fr The keys to success Master's degree (or equivalent) in Robotics, AI, Computer Science, or a related field. Very good programming skills (C++, python). Love working with real robots. Not afraid of challenging projects. About Inria Inria, the French national institute for research in digital science and technology, supports the French government in national research and innovation strategies in the digital field, acting as Digital Programs Agency. Inria leads over 300 research and innovation projects with its 3,500 scientists, engineers, and support staff, in partnership with universities and the digital ecosystem (businesses, entrepreneurs, and public stakeholders). Together, we explore strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, cloud technologies, digital transformation in healthcare, digital twins, and digital technologies for defence. We develop practical solutions such as software, tech startups, partnerships with national companies, and cutting-edge training programmes. Our goal is to drive scientific, technological, and industrial excellence to ensure France’s digital sovereignty.