Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Manipulation

Chef Robotics•San Francisco, CA

51d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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)
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
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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
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