Chief Expert Robotics

Bosch Group•Sunnyvale, CA

9d•$330,000 - $350,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At Bosch Research, we pioneer cutting-edge AI algorithms for high-impact industrial applications, from automated driving to intelligent agentic systems. Our innovations are the foundation for high-performance, robust, and safe AI solutions across the Bosch Group. Join us as a Chief Expert in Robotics and shape the future of autonomous systems. Drive End-to-End Robotics Deployment: As a Chief Expert Robotics, you will lead the technical implementation and architecture of advanced robotic systems by translating complex algorithms into reliable, production-ready hardware and software solutions. You will take physical robots from the concept and laboratory stage directly into real-world operating environments, whether in manufacturing, logistics, or field applications. Strategic Technology Leadership: Furthermore, you will define and drive the long-term robotics research roadmap by identifying emerging technologies in perception, manipulation, motion planning, and AI/ML. As a technical expert, you will make key decisions regarding system architecture, hardware-software co-design, and make-or-buy strategies. Foster Agile & Pragmatic Engineering Culture: Within interdisciplinary teams, you will foster a fast-paced, startup-like prototyping culture focused on rapid iteration, fail-fast principles, and continuous testing on physical hardware. You will mentor and coach researchers across multiple disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electronics, software engineering, and artificial intelligence. Stakeholder & Ecosystem Collaboration: You will work closely with business units, product managers, and external partners to ensure that our robotics innovations solve real customer needs and deliver a clear ROI. Last but not least, you will scout and collaborate with leading robotics startups, venture partners, and academic institutions to integrate state-of-the-art technologies.

Requirements

Completed Master's degree or PhD in Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent professional experience (minimum 8+ years in robotics/autonomous systems development)
Minimum 8+ years of professional experience in robotics and autonomous systems, with demonstrated success in building or deploying advanced physical AI/robotic systems in production environments
Proven background in robotics organizations, including startups, scale-ups, or innovation-focused teams
Deep technical expertise in core robotics technology stacks (e.g., ROS/ROS 2, modern C++, Python, Linux/RTOS)
Hands-on experience with GPU-accelerated simulation tools (e.g., NVIDIA Isaac Sim/Lab, MuJoCo) and teleoperation/data collection pipelines
Practical experience with modern robotic learning methodologies (Imitation Learning, Diffusion Policy, ACT, Reinforcement Learning, or Foundation Models including VLMs/VLAs)
Demonstrated knowledge of perception and state estimation techniques (sensor fusion, SLAM, 3D vision, LiDAR/camera calibration)
Expertise in manipulation and grasping systems (end-effectors, tactile sensing, teleoperation)
Professional experience with Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, safety protocols, and design for reliability
Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical challenges across full-stack systems, from electrical and CAN bus issues on physical robots to software race conditions and edge cases
Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to executive leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams
Track record of implementing iterative prototyping methodologies that enable rapid development cycles
Fluent written and spoken English

Responsibilities

Lead the technical implementation and architecture of advanced robotic systems by translating complex algorithms into reliable, production-ready hardware and software solutions.
Take physical robots from the concept and laboratory stage directly into real-world operating environments, whether in manufacturing, logistics, or field applications.
Define and drive the long-term robotics research roadmap by identifying emerging technologies in perception, manipulation, motion planning, and AI/ML.
Make key decisions regarding system architecture, hardware-software co-design, and make-or-buy strategies.
Foster a fast-paced, startup-like prototyping culture focused on rapid iteration, fail-fast principles, and continuous testing on physical hardware.
Mentor and coach researchers across multiple disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electronics, software engineering, and artificial intelligence.
Work closely with business units, product managers, and external partners to ensure that our robotics innovations solve real customer needs and deliver a clear ROI.
Scout and collaborate with leading robotics startups, venture partners, and academic institutions to integrate state-of-the-art technologies.