Intern- Robot Manipulation

Exol • Wilmington, MA

8d • $32 - $42

About The Position

Symbotic is seeking a Robot Manipulation Intern for the Summer term (May–August 2027). The intern will contribute to projects involving real-time, high-performance software for manipulating real-world objects, working with cross-functional engineering teams and gaining hands-on experience with robotics and warehouse automation. Interns receive mentorship, professional development, networking opportunities, and access to events. Transportation and housing benefits are available to students who meet relocation requirements.

The role involves developing motion-planning algorithms, state machines, and control software for robotic manipulators and specialized end-of-arm tools and grippers. It also includes simulating robot motion, defining field metrics for pick-and-place quality using sensors and cameras, supporting integration across hardware and software, and applying data-driven and machine-learning methods from data curation through inference. The intern may support system testing, hardware design, troubleshooting, and evaluation of engineering change requests.

Up to 10% travel may be required. Employees must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive and/or fly to client and other customer locations. The employee is responsible for owning a credit card and managing expenses personally; expenses are reimbursed bi-weekly. The posted base pay range is $32.00–$41.80. Compensation includes medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k), PTO and/or other benefits.

Requirements

• Pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with general-purpose programming environments, languages, scripting systems, and data-analysis packages, including Linux, C++, Python, and Matlab.
• Knowledge of Git, Jira, and Confluence or similar tools.
• Familiarity with DevOps or CI/CD, including GitHub automation and Docker or Jenkins.
• Experience with simulation tools such as MuJoCo, NVIDIA IsaacSim, or PyBullet.
• Familiarity with forward and inverse kinematics for custom kinematic chains.
• Strong linear algebra and 3D geometry fundamentals.
• Familiarity with machine-learning fundamentals and libraries.
• Experience with libraries such as OMPL, OpenRAVE, NVIDIA cuRobo, OpenCV, PCL, ROS, Boost, or Eigen.
• Hands-on experience with embedded systems and platforms such as Arduino, STM32, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi, including integration of sensors, motors, and actuators using CAN, SPI, or I2C.
• Interest in working in a dynamic Agile/Scrum-based environment.
• Strong computer science fundamentals, including data structures and algorithms.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with motion-planning algorithms, trajectory optimization, or grasping.

Responsibilities

• Brainstorm with cross-functional engineering teams to conceptualize and develop real-time, high-performance software for accurately manipulating real-world objects.
• Apply best practices to data structures and algorithms, balancing simplicity and performance.
• Produce high-quality software for projects with significant business impact.
• Simulate robot motion using internal simulation tools during feature development.
• Develop motion-planning algorithms and state machines for robotic manipulators.
• Design, develop, and implement control software for specialized end-of-arm tools and grippers.
• Define field metrics for pick-and-place quality using different sensors and cameras.
• Facilitate integration of specialized manipulation systems across hardware and software teams.
• Optimize processes using data-driven and machine-learning methods, with ownership spanning data curation, training, and inference.
• Support system and subsystem testing.
• Provide technical support for hardware design as needed.
• Troubleshoot production or design system problems by investigating product-performance issues or production difficulties.
• Evaluate and process engineering change requests.

Benefits

• Mentorship, professional development, networking opportunities, and a calendar of events for interns and co-ops.
• Transportation and housing benefits for students who meet relocation requirements.
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k), PTO and/or other benefits.

What This Job Offers

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