Head of AI Robotics R&D

Janicki Industries • Bellingham, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Janicki Industries is seeking a Head of AI Robotics R&D to lead a team of AI Engineers responsible for the research, development, and deployment of object perception systems that enable our robots to recognize, locate, and interact with parts, tooling, pallets, and other objects across our factory floors. This leader will guide the Research and Development to determine the technical direction of 3D object detection and six-degree-of-freedom pose estimation efforts using frameworks such as NVIDIA Isaac Perceptor, FoundationPose, and OpenCV, while building and mentoring a high-performing engineering team. Objects handled by these systems range from standard pallets to one-of-a-kind composite tooling weighing up to 50,000 lb, requiring perception solutions that perform reliably across an unusually broad range of object scale, geometry, and material.

Requirements

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Vision, Robotics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or related field.
• 10+ years of relevant engineering experience spanning robotics and AI required.
• Deep hands-on experience with industrial robot programming, integration, and deployment
• Proven track record shipping applied AI/ML solutions (object detection, model training/re-training loops, reinforcement learning, etc.) in real-world environments
• Strong background in robot perception (cameras, LiDAR, structured light, force sensing)
• Extensive NVIDIA Jetson development experience (JetPack, TensorRT, DeepStream, Isaac ROS, etc.)
• Expert-level Python, common AI ecosystems (PyTorch/TensorFlow, OpenCV, PCL, ROS/ROS2), and modern dev-ops tooling (Git, Docker, CI/CD)
• Comfortable installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Linux/Windows systems, VMs, and complex development environments
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and lead technically without formal authority
• Due to our ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must be a US Citizen or of Legal Permanent Resident Status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b (a) (3)
• This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required).
• Janicki will assist with gaining this access once employed.
• Special Access Program or other Government Access Requirements are mandatory for this position and requires candidate agreed to enter a Continuous Evaluation program

Nice To Haves

• MS or PhD in Robotics, AI, or related field preferred
• Experience in aerospace or similarly regulated manufacturing preferred
• Previous work with Isaac Sim, MoveIt, or other advanced robotics frameworks preferred

Responsibilities

• Set technical direction and roadmap for object perception R&D, including 3D detection, classification, and pose estimation model strategy.
• Guide architecture decisions for multi-sensor perception pipelines integrating RGB cameras, depth cameras, and LIDAR.
• Review and approve calibration methodologies (camera-to-LIDAR, camera-to-robot-frame) and production monitoring/testing frameworks for perception accuracy.
• Evaluate emerging perception technologies, sensors, foundation models, and synthetic data generation approaches, and make build-vs-buy recommendations.
• Personally engage in hands-on technical work as needed, including model evaluation, architecture reviews, and troubleshooting production issues.
• Hire, mentor, and manage a team of AI Engineers, setting clear goals and providing regular performance feedback.
• Build team capability through training, technical growth planning, and structured onboarding.
• Foster a culture of rigorous experimentation, documentation, and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Manage team workload, priorities, and project timelines across multiple concurrent perception initiatives.
• Partner with navigation and controls engineering leadership to ensure perception outputs translate into effective robot behavior.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering and operations stakeholders to prioritize perception use cases based on production impact.
• Represent the perception team in program reviews, technical roadmap discussions, and budget planning.
• Communicate technical progress, risks, and resource needs to senior engineering and program leadership.
• All Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• discretionary bonus
• 401(k) matching
• vacation
• health benefits
• additional pay for off shifts
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
• Disability insurance as well as Life/AD&D insurance
• HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer contribution and FSA (Flexible Savings Account)
• 401k with employer matching
• Paid time off and paid holidays (including two floating holidays)
• Education reimbursement program
• Several shift options
• Premium pay for off shifts

What This Job Offers

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