Principal Scientist - Robotics

Principal Scientist in an AI – Computer Vision – Robotics

Job Description Summary

One of Korn Ferry’s top clients is seeking Principal level Scientists in the area of Robotics/Computer Vision.

As a Principal Scientist in an AI – Computer Vision – Robotics – Software research lab, you will have the opportunity to develop state-of-the-art technologies supporting critical global challenges across energy, infrastructure, and industrial systems. You will collaborate with cross-functional technology and business teams to drive advanced research roadmaps across artificial intelligence, computer vision, robotics, and software domains.

This role involves close collaboration with external partners, including government agencies and research institutions, to shape, develop, and execute advanced technology programs that will influence future products and platforms.

The organization serves as a central innovation hub, bringing together multidisciplinary researchers across scientific and engineering domains to drive forward-looking research initiatives and real-world impact.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical pillar within a multidisciplinary team developing advanced robotics and autonomy systems, including robot design, motion planning, perception, manipulation, system integration, and human-robot interaction
• Design, prototype, and validate robotics solutions for real-world applications through rapid experimentation and iteration
• Collaborate with senior technical leaders, engineers, and product stakeholders to define requirements and translate research into scalable solutions
• Contribute to shaping technical vision and influencing strategic direction within the robotics and autonomy domain
• Drive innovation through intellectual property development, including prior art analysis, invention disclosures, and patent applications
• Foster collaboration across internal teams and act as a mentor to junior researchers and engineers
• Build and maintain partnerships with academia, national laboratories, industry, and government organizations to expand technical capabilities and impact
• Communicate results through presentations, technical reports, publications, and stakeholder briefings
• Lead and contribute to externally funded research opportunities, including proposal development and serving as principal investigator on select programs

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline
• 7 years of relevant experience in robotics, AI, or related fields
• 2 years of hands-on experience in Computer Vision, including:
• Image segmentation
• Object detection (e.g., YOLO, Faster R-CNN)
• Defect detection and anomaly detection
• 3D vision and depth sensing
• Sensor fusion (e.g., camera LiDAR)

Desired Characteristics

• Proven record of innovation, including peer-reviewed publications in robotics or related domains
• Demonstrated experience executing complex technical projects in collaborative environments
• Strong leadership capabilities and ability to influence across functions and levels
• Experience developing patentable intellectual property
• Experience writing and securing research funding or R&D proposals (including government-funded programs)
• Experience transitioning technologies from research to production environments
• Familiarity with statistical and quality methodologies (e.g., Design of Experiments, measurement systems analysis)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and in multidisciplinary teams
• Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on, solution-oriented mindset
• High degree of initiative, adaptability, and ability to work in fast-paced, evolving environments

Additional Information

• Location: Onsite role based in the United States in Albany, NY
• Relocation assistance will be provided
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States