Test and evaluation of automotive perception sensors

Overview

NIST is seeking a candidate to work on a project related to evaluating automotive perception sensors. The project requires a candidate with multidisciplinary skills who will execute most of the following tasks with guidance from the project leader.

Qualifications

• MS or BS in the following engineering fields: Electrical engineering, Mechanical engineering, Computer engineering, Robotics). Undergraduate students with relevant experience will also be considered for part-time appointments.
• Software and OS:
  • ROS, ROS2, C, C++, Python - relevant to compile modules for ROS2.
  • Be able to work on both Linux and Windows
  • MATLAB and Python programming for exploratory data analysis and statistics
  • Experience with CAD software for making parts/fixtures for the setup
  • Experience with Version control software and workflow (Git/Github/Gitlab)
• Other relevant experience:
  • Experience in working with 3D point cloud data.
  • Experience in measurement, testing, and evaluation of hardware and sensors.
  • Hands-on work experience with tools, 80-20 extrusions
  • Report writing and making presentations with relevant figures/illustrations/data.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills that convey ideas and work in an efficient manner.
  • Good documentation of the work that enables reproduction of the tests and results.
  • Experience with various collaboration tools such as Slack, MS Teams, Google suite.
• Other desired skills:
  • Be able to use in-house machining equipment (after training) for minor modifications
  • Familiarity with Raspberry Pis and Arduino controllers (or alternatives)

Research Proposal

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Acquire data from automotive perception sensors such as lidars, radars, and cameras.
• Work with software relevant to each of the sensors and acquire data using ROS2 on Ubuntu/Linux.
• Design and execute sensor test procedures in various static and dynamic environments.
• Design test artifacts and setups using CAD software (SolidWorks) and send them for fabrication.
• Design fixtures, mounting apparatus, etc. using 80-20 extrusions.
• Collecting data with ground truth systems (laser trackers, etc.); training will be given if no experience is required.
• Perform market research on products, equipment, and sensors relevant to the project and compile information for purchases.
• Conducting and documenting experiments, analyzing data, and writing reports.
• Present work to the team, articulate ideas and seek feedback.