Pitch Aeronautics Inc. Postdoctoral Researcher for Robotic Manipulation with Drones Boise, ID · Full time

Apply for Postdoctoral Researcher for Robotic Manipulation with Drones

Company Description

Pitch Aeronautics (www.pitchaero.com) is a rapidly growing startup creating game-changing solutions for the utility industry. Pitch has developed a drone to install our line sensor, bird diverters, and other equipment on power lines. Our drone-deployable line sensors wirelessly transmit environmental and line characteristics to an online secure API to help utilities push more power through existing lines, prevent wildfires, and improve grid reliability. We're looking for engineering talent to enhance and mature our product lines.

At Pitch we’ve fostered a collaborative, fun,  “get-stuff-done” working environment. We believe in moving fast and creating products and prototypes rapidly. If you’re looking for a place where you can make a difference on day one, be empowered to achieve, and love working in small teams, we want to meet you! 

Learn more about our company at:

-Our website: https://www.pitchaero.com/

-Our Linked-In posts: https://www.linkedin.com/company/11764600/

-Our Facebook posts: https://www.facebook.com/pitchaero

-Here's a video of our drone performing a sensor installation on an energized power line: https://youtu.be/S9F0jz4eqNY?feature=shared

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for a robotics/dynamics/control researcher located in Boise, ID. This role will be responsible for developing and implementing control algorithms to install and uninstall sensors on power lines using a drone. The individual filling this position will be employed by Boise State University and funded via a joint NSF STTR in partnership with Pitch Aeronautics.

Responsibilities

• Develop a model and simulation for the interaction of the drone and a power line.
• Develop a controller to make this interaction stable.
• Use these tools to install and uninstall bird-diverters and dynamic-line rating sensors on power lines. 
• It is expected that this work will lead to publications in prominent robotics/control conferences/journals.

Minimum Qualifications

•  PhD in robotics, electrical, mechanical, or mechatronics engineering degrees, with emphasis on robotics and control.
•  Experience with Python and C/C++.
• Experience with robotic programming and software, e.g., ROS/ROS2.
• Experience with version control software, e.g., git.
• Background in state estimation.

Desired Qualifications

• Good publication record at top robotics/controls conferences.
• Confident and respectful of others.

Benefits

• $60,000 annual salary
• Medical insurance
• Paid holidays

Expected start date: January 2025.   

Please submit your application using the link below, including a detailed CV, a brief cover letter (outlining motivation and qualifications) and contact details of at least 2 references.