Laboratory Engineer for Underwater Robotic Systems

Aalborg University Energy in Esbjerg seeks a Laboratory Engineer for a permanent, full-time position from 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. You will provide practical and technical support for research and teaching in underwater technology and help ensure that researchers and students have reliable, well-documented equipment for laboratory and field activities.

Your work tasks
You will become part of the underwater technology research environment at Aalborg University Energy in Esbjerg, where research projects combine the development, testing and application of advanced underwater robotic systems. The position provides shared technical support across several projects and contributes to coherent mechanical and electronic design practices. In this way, you will help researchers reduce duplicated technical work, strengthen knowledge sharing and reuse proven solutions across research activities.

You will work closely with researchers, students and external collaborators in a role that combines independent technical responsibility with day-to-day collaboration. Your work will take place in laboratories, workshops and field settings, depending on the activities and testing needs of the research projects. A central part of the role is to make equipment ready for use, keep it operational and support colleagues in using it safely and effectively.

You will develop laboratory and field-testing setups for underwater robotic systems, including selecting, integrating and maintaining relevant instrumentation, data acquisition equipment and data-logging systems. You will conduct laboratory and field tests involving underwater vehicles and associated sensors, support the standardisation and maintenance of electrical and mechanical hardware, and contribute to the design, development and fabrication of new components. You will also prepare user manuals and technical documentation, assist students in the operation of equipment, and help ensure that technical solutions remain accessible and reusable across projects.

Your competencies
You have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electronics or a related technical field. You bring practical experience with the design, development and fabrication of mechanical and electronic hardware, preferably for underwater robotic systems or comparable complex technical equipment. You are familiar with control electronics, instrumentation, data acquisition and data-logging systems, and you can use computer-aided design tools to develop and document mechanical solutions.

You have experience with robotic testing equipment and understand the importance of reliable instrumentation, systematic test procedures and clear technical documentation. Experience with the Robot Operating System or a comparable robotics framework, as well as MATLAB for data processing and analysis, is required. You communicate confidently in spoken and written English, as this is the working language in the research environment.

You work systematically and pay close attention to safety, technical quality and the practical usability of equipment. You approach technical challenges in a structured and solution-oriented way and are comfortable taking responsibility for tasks independently. At the same time, you provide constructive support to students and researchers, explain technical procedures clearly and contribute to a collaborative approach to maintaining and developing shared research infrastructure.

Who we are
Aalborg University Energy in Esbjerg has approximately 40 scientific employees, including around 15 colleagues in the underwater technology research group. The group works with research and development activities that connect engineering research with practical technological solutions, and the Laboratory Engineer will have an important role in supporting the technical foundation for this work.

You will join an informal working environment where colleagues work closely across projects and professional disciplines. The role offers flexible working hours and occasional opportunities to work from home when the tasks allow it. Because the position supports a broad range of research and teaching activities, you will have the opportunity to deepen your technical expertise in underwater technologies, robotic systems, instrumentation and testing while contributing directly to research projects with practical relevance.

How to apply  
Your application must contain the following:

- A brief motivated application describing your professional and personal competences and the experience qualifying you particularly for the position 
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
- Examination certificate 
- Any other relevant appendices

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?    
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us.

Further information 
Read more about our recruitment process here.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Salary and terms of employment
Your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the Collective Agreement for Academic Staff Employed in the State Sector. Qualification-based supplements may be granted, subject to negotiation.

You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Technical and administrative positions Academic (AC-TAP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “Academic staff”.

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.