Software Engineering Manager, Human-Robot Interaction

Pickle Robot Company•Charlestown, MA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Pickle Robot is seeking a passionate and experienced Software Engineering Manager, Human-Robot Interaction, to lead the team building the operator-facing software that puts our robots to work on the loading dock. This leader will own the applications, integrations, and data infrastructure that enable people to operate, monitor, and work alongside Pickle’s robots in production environments. The ideal candidate has managed software engineers at a robotics company and knows what it takes to ship reliable, production-grade software in a fast-moving hardware environment. This is a great fit for a hands-on, in-the-trenches manager who wants meaningful ownership, close technical partnership with the team, and the opportunity to help shape how high-performing robotics software gets built and shipped.

Requirements

2+ years of software engineering management experience at a deep tech, robotics, or hardware-focused company.
Demonstrated experience managing SWEs through complex technical and integration challenges, not just feature delivery.
Working knowledge of ROS or a similar robotics middleware framework, specifically how commands flow from an operator-facing application to an autonomous system.
A strong communicator and mentor who gives clear feedback, develops engineers at all levels, and builds team confidence without lowering standards.
Experience driving outcomes with both speed and excellence in highly ambiguous, fast-moving business environments.
Willing and able to work from our Charlestown, MA office at least three times per week.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and grow a team of software engineers building the operator-facing applications and integration layer between Pickle's frontend and autonomy platform.
Drive the technical vision and execution for Pickle’s human-robot interface software, ensuring a robust, reliable end-user experience and tight integration across the full software stack.
Foster a culture of engineering excellence through code reviews, architecture discussions, iterative development, and a high bar for quality.
Collaborate closely with Pickle's other engineering managers to ensure seamless end-to-end system behavior.
Partner with Product and Program Management to scope features, track progress, and adapt to evolving priorities.
Identify gaps in the team, whether structural or skill-based, and work with People Operations to hire, upskill, or supplement as needed.
Represent the HRI function in cross-team initiatives and contribute to broader engineering strategy.