Post doc position design and testing of robotic arm for space application
Pubblicato il 02-08-2026 - Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia in Italia
Italy
Location: Genova
Step into a world of endless possibilities, together let’s leave something for the future!
At IIT, we are committed to advancing human-centered Science and Technology to address the most urgent societal challenges of our era. We foster excellence in both fundamental and applied research, spanning fields such as neuroscience and cognition, humanoid technologies and robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and material sciences, offering a truly interdisciplinary scientific experience. Our approach integrates cutting-edge tools and technology, empowering researchers to push the limits of knowledge and innovation. With us, your curiosity will know no bounds.
We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering diversity in all its forms, creating an inclusive environment. We value the unique experiences, knowledge, backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives of our people. By embracing diversity, we believe science can achieve its fullest potential.
THE ROLE
You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where junior and senior scientists collaborate, each with their expertise, to carry out a scientific activity with a shared research goal.
The Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI), is launching an ambitious project focused on the development of an advanced robotic arm system designed for in-orbit satellite servicing, recovery operations, and space debris management: LILO project (LIghtweight LOng-reach robotic arm system for satellite in-orbit).
We are seeking a highly motivated Robotics Engineer to contribute to the design, development, and laboratory testing of novel robotic manipulators for orbital applications. The selected candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team engaged in cutting-edge space robotics research and development.
Within the research team, your main responsibilities will be:
- Design and develop robotic arm Systems for space operation
- Contribute to mechanical, control and software development activities
- System integration
- Support simulation, prototyping, and validation phases
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- PhD in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related fields
- Documented experience in mechatronic system design and test
- Strong publication record
- Hands-on experience in a technical laboratory setting
- Good command of spoken and written English
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
- Knowledge of CAD software, modelling and drawing, preferably PTC-Creo
- Practical knowledge of electronic system design and testing
- Sensor fusion
- Embedded system
- Experience with simulation tools and robotic software frameworks
- Knowledge of space systems or microgravity environments
- Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment
- Analytical Reasoning skills and a growth mindset
- Good manual skills and affinity with laboratory environment
- Experience in design
- Experience in mechanical assembling
- Experience in mechatronics and/or electronics
COMPENSATION PACKAGE
- A yearly gross salary ranging between 34.000€ and 38.000€
- Private health care coverage depending on your role and contract
- Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who have carried scientific research activity permanently abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.
This open position is financed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) in the framework of LILO project (LIghtweight LOng-reach robotic arm system for satellite in-orbit) contract n. 2025-25-HH, CUP F33C25000720001.
Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, university transcripts, cover letter, 2 reference letters
Application’s deadline: September 1st, 2026
To discover more about life at IIT, visit the dedicated section here: https://www.iit.it/en/work-at-iit