About you and this role:
Robust AI is a fast-growing, early-stage startup founded in 2019 by an unsurpassed team of veterans in robotics, AI and business. We are a collaborative group with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, seeking talented individuals who are just as excited about robotics and AI as we are! Help us redefine the very foundation of robotics and build robots that are smart, collaborative, robust, safe, flexible and genuinely autonomous.
As the Director of Perception you will lead our computer vision and sensing efforts in developing robust, real-world robotic systems. You will build and manage a world-class team responsible for enabling our robots to perceive, understand, and interact with complex, dynamic environments. This role requires a unique blend of technical depth, strategic vision, and leadership excellence. You are someone who is comfortable working in an early stage startup environment and are able to pivot effectively.
What you will bring to the table:
PhD or MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 8+ years of relevant experience or BS with 10+ years3+ years of experience leading and managing technical teamsDeep expertise in computer vision, including object detection, segmentation, tracking, 3D reconstruction, and/or scene understandingProven track record of shipping perception systems in real-world robotics or autonomous systems applicationsStrong foundation in machine learning, particularly deep learning for vision tasksExperience with sensor fusion across cameras, depth sensors, and other modalitiesExcellent software engineering skills and experience with production ML systemsStrong communication skills with ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
Responsibilities;
Lead the perception team in developing state-of-the-art computer vision, sensor fusion, and 3D understanding systems for robotic applicationsDefine and execute the technical roadmap for perception capabilities, balancing near-term product needs with long-term innovationSensor & compute selection, validation & integrationBuild, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of perception engineers, computer vision researchers, and ML engineersDrive the development of robust perception systems that handle real-world variability, edge cases, and challenging environmental conditionsCollaborate closely with robotics, planning, controls, and ML teams to ensure seamless integration of perception into complete robotic systemsEstablish best practices for data collection, annotation, model training, evaluation, and deployment of perception modelsPartner with product and business teams to translate customer needs into technical requirements and deliverablesStay current with latest research and industry developments, identifying opportunities to leverage cutting-edge techniquesContribute to the broader technical strategy and culture of the organization
Nice to have;
Experience in warehouse automation, logistics robotics, or industrial roboticsExperience with foundation models and their application to robotics perception3D from multiview and multi-sensor including 3D reconstruction and semantic segmentation.Background in both classical computer vision techniques and modern deep learning approachesTrack record of building teams and culture in fast-paced startup environmentsExperience with edge deployment and optimization of perception models
What we offer:
Base pay between $200k and $230k, depending on your skills, qualifications and experience.Stock options and huge potential for growth. Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.Flexible vacation and sick leave practices.Paid parental leave.
Robust AI fosters a culture of belonging and a shared commitment to equality and equity. Having a diverse set of perspectives is key to ensuring AI and robotics serve the needs of all.
