AI Robotics Lead

External • Bellingham, WA

23h • Onsite

About The Position

Janicki Industries is hiring an AI Robotics Lead to lead a new Robotics & AI team focused on deploying intelligent automation in manufacturing. The position is located in Bellingham, Washington. The lead will set technical direction for AI-enhanced robotic systems—including manipulators, mobile platforms, and cobots—performing manufacturing tasks with increasing autonomy. This is a hands-on leadership role involving team development, project-roadmap ownership, solution architecture, design and code review, and practical work on the production floor. The role partners with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering leadership in a fast-moving environment where prototypes may be deployed in days or weeks.

The AI Robotics Lead will direct perception systems, AI model pipelines, robot integration, and on-edge AI development, while establishing software engineering practices and guiding solutions from prototype through sustained operations. The role also includes communicating progress and risks, evaluating emerging technologies and vendors, and performing other duties as assigned.

The position may require obtaining a U.S. Secret Security Clearance, with Janicki assisting after employment. Special Access Program or other Government Access Requirements are mandatory, including agreement to participate in a Continuous Evaluation program. Due to ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Requirements

• At least 5 years of relevant engineering experience spanning robotics and AI, including at least 3 years leading engineering teams or technical programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field from an ABET-accredited university.
• Demonstrated experience hiring, managing, and developing high-performing engineering teams.
• Deep hands-on experience with industrial robot programming, integration, and deployment.
• Track record leading delivery of applied AI/ML solutions in real-world environments, including object detection, model training or retraining loops, and reinforcement learning.
• Strong background in robot perception, including cameras, LiDAR, structured light, and force sensing.
• Extensive NVIDIA Jetson development experience, including JetPack, TensorRT, DeepStream, or Isaac ROS.
• Expert-level Python skills and experience with common AI ecosystems such as PyTorch or TensorFlow, OpenCV, PCL, ROS/ROS2, and modern DevOps tooling such as Git, Docker, and CI/CD.
• Ability to define technical strategy, manage competing priorities, and deliver projects on schedule.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to present technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and leadership.
• Ability to thrive in cross-disciplinary hardware and software environments.
• Bias for action, a fast pace, and getting results through others.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), due to ITAR and EAR regulations.
• Agreement to enter a Continuous Evaluation program is required for the mandatory Special Access Program or other Government Access Requirements.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Robotics, AI, or a related field.
• Experience in aerospace or similarly regulated manufacturing.
• Experience building a new team or function from the ground up.
• Previous work with Isaac Sim, MoveIt, or other advanced robotics frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of AI robotics engineers, including hiring, goal setting, performance management, and career development.
• Define and own the team’s technical roadmap, balancing rapid prototyping with scalable, production-ready solutions.
• Prioritize and manage automation projects with manufacturing, engineering, and operations stakeholders.
• Set technical standards and architecture for perception systems, AI model pipelines, and robot integration.
• Guide training, deployment, and continuous improvement of object-detection, segmentation, pose-estimation, and anomaly-detection models in manufacturing settings.
• Direct the use of reinforcement learning and other advanced techniques to improve robot dexterity, path planning, and error recovery.
• Oversee on-edge AI development on NVIDIA Jetson platforms and integration of industrial robots with vision and AI pipelines.
• Establish software engineering practices, including code review, Git workflows, Docker containerization, and CI/CD.
• Contribute hands-on to architecture, prototyping, and troubleshooting complex technical challenges.
• Transition validated solutions from prototype to sustained operations, including documentation, support models, and handoff.
• Communicate project status, risks, and results to leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Evaluate emerging AI and robotics technologies, tools, and vendors for suitability to Janicki’s manufacturing needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Discretionary bonus.
• 401(k) with employer matching.
• Vacation and paid time off, including paid holidays and two floating holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution.
• Disability insurance and Life/AD&D insurance.
• HSA with employer contribution and FSA.
• Education reimbursement program.
• Several shift options.
• Premium pay for off-shifts.
• Premium pay for security clearance if applicable.
• Additional pay may be available for off-shifts, off-site work, and access pay.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior