Senior Robotics Engineer, Level 3

Zulu Pods is building America’s next-generation component and sub-system company, and we are seeking highly motivated team players to join us in this mission.

We believe in bringing your human to work and embrace out of the box thinking and creativity. We also believe in excellence and competence, with an engineering team boasting extensive turbomachinery mechanical design expertise and holding a combined experience of more than 150 years.

At Zulu Pods, we

• operate with Integrity,
• take Extreme Ownership,
• lift each other up with Servant Leadership,
• win by Exceeding Expectations, and
• succeed with Optimistic Vision.

If these values describe you, please continue:

Zulu Pods is seeking a highly motivated and talented Senior Robotics Engineer who will support the development of our SmartPODS products in our Northampton, Massachusetts location. This mid-level position is perfect for an engineer with 5-9 years of experience. The selected individual will contribute with a mix of hands-on experience and technical skills. This role is critical in designing, developing, and testing the complex electro-mechanical systems that underpin our next-generation solutions for the aerospace and defense industry. You will work closely with other SmartPOD engineers and cross-functional teams to bring innovative robotic solutions from concept to reality.

We are interested in candidates who are highly motivated, have excellent interpersonal skills, and demonstrate recognized leadership experience. Lastly, working at a start-up is dynamic and may take on many other shapes. This also means that there will be opportunities to develop this role to suit your skills and interests, even outside of engineering.  

As a Senior Robotics Engineer, you will be a key contributor to the SmartPOD development lifecycle, from concept generation to field deployment. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Design and Development: Lead the detailed design, analysis, and simulation of complex electro-mechanical subsystems for the SmartPODs, including actuation, sensing, and power distribution mechanisms, ensuring they meet strict aerospace and defense specifications (e.g., vibration, temperature, EMI/EMC).
• Prototyping and Testing: Lead brainstorming sessions and design reviews, oversee the fabrication, assembly, and rigorous testing of prototypes. Develop and execute comprehensive test plans to validate system performance, reliability, and robustness in relevant environments. 
• Control Systems Implementation: Design and implement advanced robotic control algorithms for precision motion, sensing, and autonomous functions, primarily using C/C++ or similar languages on embedded platforms.
• System Integration: Collaborate closely with software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of robotic components with the overall SmartPOD architecture.
• Testing and Debugging: Run test cases for hardware and software, document bugs and troubleshoot, and measure performance metrics. 
• Documentation: Generate and maintain detailed engineering documentation, including requirements specifications, design documents, test reports, and manufacturing procedures, adhering to industry standards.
• Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams (engineers, designers, operations, and program management) to successfully execute projects on time and within design scope.
• Technical Leadership: Serve as a technical resource and mentor to junior engineers. Drive best practices in design, documentation, and configuration management.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer/Software Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in robotics, mechatronics, or complex electro-mechanical system design and development, preferably within the aerospace, defense, or highly regulated industries.

Technical Expertise Requirements:

• Proven experience in motor selection, gearing, and actuation system design (e.g., servo, stepper, solenoids).
• Strong proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CREO) and FEA/Simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink).
• In-depth knowledge of embedded systems, microcontrollers (e.g., ARM), and relevant communication protocols (e.g., CAN bus, Ethernet, RS-485).
• Demonstrated experience designing systems for harsh environments, including consideration for thermal management, sealing, and material selection for extreme loads.

• Programming Skills: Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded control, and experience with scripting languages like Python for testing and data analysis. Experience with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Github a strong plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with DO-178C or DO-254 development assurance standards.
• Familiarity with various robotic sensing technologies (e.g., LiDAR, IMUs, computer vision) and sensor fusion techniques.
• Experience with PLC or equivalent industrial control systems.

Additional Requirements:

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies.
• 0-25% Travel as required by job responsibilities. 

• US Citizenship or Permanent Residency (due to the nature of defense-related work).

Benefits

• Salary/Equity: Competitive salary and equity options.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Standard offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Disability Insurance: Company-paid basic Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance to ensure financial security.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Competitive policies for vacation, sick, and personal days.
• Paid Parental Leave: Substantial time off for new parents.
• Career Acceleration: Join early in our growth journey to position yourself for future leadership opportunities as we expand; your impact today helps shape the company and opens doors to senior roles tomorrow.
• Influence and Autonomy: Senior engineers are often granted a high degree of technical autonomy and direct influence over core product decisions and architecture.
• Office Amenities: Stocked kitchens with unlimited snacks and gourmet coffee, team game nights, and team-building events.
• Personal Fulfillment: A stimulating, high-impact environment where your work directly contributes to national security and technological advancement.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.