Applied Vision and Robotics Engineer (Research Assistant)

Location: ACIS Labs, University of Victoria BC

Position: 1 full-time, in-office position

Salary: $45,000 - $55,000 per year

Role Description: The Applied Vision and Robotics Engineer (Research Assistant) is a full-time, on-site role based in Victoria, BC. This position involves designing, implementing, and testing algorithms for computer vision and robotic systems, including perception, motion planning, and control in real-world environments. The role includes developing software prototypes, integrating hardware and sensors, conducting experiments, and analyzing data to assess system performance. The Research Assistant collaborates with faculty, graduate students, and industry partners, documents results in technical reports and publications, and supports the preparation of demos and presentations. The position also involves maintaining lab equipment, contributing to project management tasks, and staying current with recent advances in AI, robotics, and vision.

Lab Description: The Advanced Control and Intelligent Systems (ACIS) Laboratory at the University of Victoria is a multidisciplinary research group focused on intelligent and autonomous systems. Founded by Dr. Homayoun Najjaran, ACIS conducts applied research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and cyber-physical systems. The lab’s work spans autonomous vehicles, drone systems, AR/VR and human-robot interaction, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and intelligent manufacturing. ACIS collaborates closely with industry partners in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, and automation to translate research into practical solutions. Prospective team members can explore current projects and publications on the lab’s website.

Qualifications:

Required Skills:

• Relevant degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field (e.g., BSc, BASc, or MSc) with focus on robotics, AI, or computer vision.
• Strong foundation in robotics, including robot kinematics, motion planning, and control, with practical experience in applied robotics systems.
• Demonstrated analytical skills for modeling, data analysis, and performance evaluation of AI, vision, and robotic algorithms.
• Experience with process automation, including integrating sensing, actuation, and control for intelligent manufacturing or cyber-physical systems.
• Effective communication skills for collaborative research, technical documentation, and presenting results to academic and industry stakeholders.
• Proficiency in software development, ideally with languages and tools commonly used in robotics and vision (e.g., Python, C++, ROS, OpenCV, MATLAB).
• Experience with machine learning or reinforcement learning for robotic applications.
• Ability to work independently in a lab environment, manage multiple tasks, and contribute to publications and project deliverables.

Assets include:

• ROS / ROS 2 development experience
• Experience developing path planning and autonomous navigation systems
• Aerial photogrammetry or photogrammetry experience including photogrammetry, structure-from-motion, or SLAM tooling (COLMAP, Metashape, RealityCapture, ORB-SLAM, or similar) and hardware management such as camera calibration and multi-view geometry
• Working familiarity with dones and survey equipment — RTK positioning, GNSS, ground control
• Drone pilot licence
• Experience with 3D modelling and fabrication, including SolidWorks or Fusion experience, 3D printing, and/or basic machining
• Git and collaborative software development practices