Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Manipulation

Chef Robotics San Francisco 38 days ago

engineering

About Our Team

Chef Robotics is on a mission to accelerate the advent of intelligent machines in the physical world. As the rise of LLMs like ChatGPT has shown, AI has the potential to drive immense change. However, we believe AI’s biggest impact will be in the physical world, given industries like manufacturing, food, and transportation represent 90% of global GDP. We're starting with food, with a goal to put an intelligent robot in every commercial kitchen in the world. We have signed multiple multi-year contracts with various large food companies and we are growing fast. We're backed by investors like Kleiner Perkins, Construct, Bloomberg BETA and Promus Ventures. We have a great team, where you will be surrounded by talented engineers and tech leaders from companies like Cruise, Zoox, Google, Verb Surgical, Tesla, Nuro, Vicarious, Amazon Robotics, Strateos, Built Robotics, Facebook, Plenty, Yelp, and Microsoft.

About the Role

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. This role requires deep expertise in manipulation algorithms, sensor integration, and real-time adaptation systems.

As a small team, we are focused on building a positive in-office culture. We are looking for individuals who are available to work onsite at the office five days a week and can work start-up-oriented hours.

Advanced Manipulation Algorithm Development

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

Sensor Integration & Feedback Systems

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

Performance Optimization & Analysis

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

System Architecture & Integration

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

Required Qualifications - Technical Expertise

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)

Domain Knowledge

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

Personal Attributes

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

Desired Qualifications

Startup experience with track record of shipping working products under tight deadlines

Robotics research experience, including publications in manipulation or related fields

Experience with the robotics tech stack including Linux, ROS, OpenCV, CUDA

Knowledge of calibration, state estimation, and sensor fusion for manipulation systems

Experience with basic mechatronics and electronics relevant to manipulation systems

Background in food handling, manufacturing, or industrial automation

Experience with reinforcement learning for manipulation tasks

Knowledge of grasp planning and dexterous manipulation techniques

Key Projects You Will Lead

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizen status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, age, pregnancy status, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability, or any other protected status.

Multiple studies have found that a higher percentage of women and BIPOC candidates won't apply if they don't meet every listed qualification. Chef values candidates of all backgrounds. If you find yourself excited by our mission but you don't check every box in the description, we encourage you to apply anyway!