

PhD Positions
Currently we have 2 open PhD positions.
Check our dedicated page for additional details. Deadline 9 of July 2025, noon, CEST.
1. Test engineer for Space Robotics
Location: Genoa, Italy
Contract Type: Fixed-term contract
For this position, we are looking for a highly motivated and proactive engineer to play the important role of testing robot hardware and software technology for space exploration. This position has a major focus on the development, integration and testing of control algorithms ranging from the low-level actuators control to locomotion control.
Within the team, your main responsibilities will be to:
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Integrate with the team of engineers supporting day to day R&D and maintenance activities (debugging, testing, developing new concepts, improve robot performance).
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Continuous improvement of low and high level control algorithms.
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Develop control strategies to increase robot efficiency and usability (e.g. safe robot/human interaction, self-packing, diagnostics, battery life, energy consumption etc).
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Develop software strategies to manage and mitigate critical conditions during operation (e.g. failure of devices, crash, loss of balance).
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Perform hardware prototype tests.
REQUIREMENTS
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A Master’s degree in Robotics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science
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Experience with real-time systems
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Experience with mechanical systems
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Knowledge on microcontrollers
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Strong experience with simulation environments for robotics (e.g. Gazebo or Mujoco), ROS and ROS Control the DDS middleware protocol (e.g. eProsima Fast DDS)
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Knowledge on embedded systems
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Knowledge on control system modelling
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Knowledge on classical and non-linear control theory
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Hands-on experience in robotic systems
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Strong skills on C++ and Python
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Confidence with version control tools (specifically git)
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Good communication skills and ability/willingness to integrate within a multidisciplinary international research group
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Good command in spoken and written English
Further desirable but not necessary skills include good knowledge on:
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Model-based Predictive Controllers (MPC)
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Navigation systems
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OpenCV
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Machine Learning
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Github CI/CD
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Docker
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Agile methodology
Please submit your application sending an email to claudio.semini@iit.it including a detailed CV, university transcripts, and a cover letter (outlining motivation, experience and qualifications) and contact details of 2 references. State “[JOB: TEST ENG] Test Engineer” in the subject of the email.
Application’s deadline: open until filled
Master Students
The Dynamic Legged Systems lab is constantly looking for Master students who wish to perform an internship or their Msc thesis in our labs; as well as freshly graduated MSc degree holders interested in an internship.
Unfortunately, we currently do not have any predefined projects available, but for spontaneous applications, please send your CV to claudio.semini@iit.it