Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Chef Robotics

• This role requires deep expertise in manipulation algorithms, sensor integration, and real-time adaptation systems
• BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of professional experience in robotics software development with focus on manipulation
• Expert-level proficiency in Python and/or C++ with strong software engineering fundamentals
• Deep understanding of both classical and machine/reinforcement learning approaches to robot manipulation
• Extensive experience with robotic waypoint generation, path planning, and trajectory optimization
• Proven experience leading and shipping complex robotics software projects
• Strong background with common deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
• Advanced knowledge of manipulation algorithms including grasping, placement, and dexterous manipulation
• Experience with force control, impedance control, and compliant manipulation strategies
• Understanding of contact dynamics and physics-based manipulation modeling
• Knowledge of trajectory optimization techniques for manipulation tasks
• Experience with sensor integration for manipulation including force/torque sensors and vision systems
• Excellent mathematical skills, especially with geometry, probability and statistics, linear algebra, and machine learningStrong problem-solving abilities with systematic approach to complex manipulation challenges
• Leadership experience with ability to mentor junior engineers and drive technical initiatives
• Comfort with working in a fast-paced startup environment with startup-oriented hours
• Commitment to working onsite five days a week to contribute to positive in-office culture
• Passion for robotics and food automation technology
• Robotics research experience, including publications in manipulation or related fields

Desirable

• As a Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Manipulation at Chef Robotics, you'll lead the development of advanced manipulation systems that enable our robots to handle thousands of different food ingredients with precision and adaptability
• You'll be responsible for designing and implementing sophisticated algorithms that can intelligently adapt to varying physical properties of ingredients, from sticky sauces to delicate garnishes, ensuring consistent performance across millions of meals in high-throughput commercial environments
• Lead the development of classical and ML/RL-based motion planning and manipulation algorithms that work reliably across thousands of different foods with varying physical properties (stickiness, density, viscosity, texture)
• Design and implement novel algorithms to learn ingredient properties on-the-fly and intelligently adapt manipulation parameters in real-time
• Develop robust manipulation strategies that can handle edge cases and unexpected ingredient behaviors
• Incorporate new sensor data including force control, tactile feedback, and vision systems for enhanced manipulation precision
• Develop sensor fusion algorithms that combine multiple data sources for improved manipulation decision-makingImplement real-time feedback loops that adjust manipulation parameters based on sensor input
• Design calibration systems for accurate sensor-based manipulation control
• Create diagnostic systems to monitor and validate sensor performance during manipulation tasks
• Analyze manipulation performance across different ingredients and environmental conditions
• Optimize manipulation trajectories and control parameters for maximum throughput while maintaining quality
• Develop metrics and benchmarking systems to measure ingredient manipulation performance
• Implement data collection and analysis pipelines to continuously improve manipulation algorithms
• Create performance dashboards and reporting systems for manipulation system monitoring
• Contribute to overall robotics software architecture design with focus on manipulation subsystems
• Design clean interfaces between manipulation algorithms and other robotics subsystems
• Lead integration of manipulation systems with planning, perception, and control components
• Establish software engineering standards and best practices for manipulation code
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical decision-making processes
• Developing next-generation ingredient adaptation algorithms for diverse food properties
• Implementing advanced sensor fusion systems for precise manipulation control
• Creating performance optimization frameworks for high-throughput manipulation
• Leading integration of manipulation systems with overall robotics architecture
• Establishing manipulation testing and validation frameworks for production deployment