Automation R & D Engineer

Komatsu is an indispensable partner to the construction, mining, forestry, forklift, and industrial machinery markets, maximizing value for customers through innovative solutions. With a diverse line of products supported by our advanced IoT technologies, regional distribution channels, and a global service network, we tap into the power of data and technology to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance. Komatsu supports a myriad of markets, including housing, infrastructure, water, pipeline, minerals, automobile, aerospace, electronics and medical, through its many brands and subsidiaries, including TimberPro, Joy, P&H, Montabert, Modular Mining Systems, Hensley Industries, NTC, and Gigaphoton.

Job Overview

This position is onsite, located at our newly built headquarters in Milwaukee, WI.

The Automation Center of Excellence is responsible for Researching and Developing new advanced autonomous and situational awareness technologies for Komatsu Mining Equipment (Mining Shovels, Mining Wheel Loaders, Mining Drills, etc.) The Automation R&D Engineer is responsible for new product design in the field of machine autonomy. The role will be involved in the technical specification, hardware selection, integration, programming, testing and associated documentation of systems designed to enhance the autonomous functionality of large-scale mining equipment.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Solid understanding of the product design lifecycle, software development and maintenance, and the critical characteristics of reliable and user-friendly product design.
• The position has a split focus between new product research, design, as well as development of testing and simulation for product validation.
• The position involves collaboration in a small team environment with a high level of individual autonomy and freedom to pursue creative design ideas.
• Our team uses an Agile Style of Product Development, candidates will be experienced self-starters, capable of turning functional concepts into technical designs with a strong focus on end-user experiences.
• A strong desire to continue expanding one's knowledge base is important as our team integrates advanced and emerging technologies. The role will be most successful with an individual who truly enjoys working on technology that they may not be familiar with but is willing to dive in and figure things out.

Qualifications/Requirements

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical engineering, Controls Engineering, Robotics or Mechatronics.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in robotics, sensors, programming, machine autonomy, and/or controls.
• Masters' degree and a year of experience will be considered. Role and responsibilities can be scaled based on applicant's experience.
• Some formal education in programming (not necessarily a degree in programming).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Creative, high energy, self-motivated and self-starter.
• Able to travel annually up to 10%.

Additional Information

Preferred Skills

• Experience with control architecture design utilizing programming languages (LabVIEW, Python, C++, MATLAB and Simulink).
• Experience with Computer Vision (OpenCV, CUDA, PCL)
• Knowledge of RTI DDS Communication platform (ROS2)
• Experience in Operating Systems (Linux, Windows Embedded)
• Experience in systems integration involving controls programming.
• Experience integrating advanced sensors such as RADAR, 3D LiDAR, etc.
• Experience in installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and supporting technologies or mobile machines.
• Knowledge of kinematics.
• Knowledge of Docker for software containerization and development
• Experience in engineering documentation.
• Experience in various industrial communication protocols (RS232/422/485, TCP/IP, CANOpen, J1939, ProfiBus/ProfiNet, EtherCAT, etc.)
• Experience with UI/UX development.
• Willingness to learn or try something new!

Komatsu is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.