Staff Robotics Engineer

Graphcore•Austin, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Graphcore is a leading innovator in Artificial Intelligence compute, developing hardware, software, and systems infrastructure to drive AI breakthroughs and adoption across industries. As part of the SoftBank Group, Graphcore aims to enable Artificial Super Intelligence and make its benefits accessible to everyone. The company fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation, with diverse teams of AI research specialists, silicon designers, software engineers, and systems architects. The Staff Robotics Engineer, reporting to the Director of Automation, will provide technical leadership for the design, integration, validation, and deployment of robotic automation systems for data center operations. This role involves collaboration with internal Graphcore teams, SoftBank Robotics, SoftBank Group affiliates, and external technology partners to transform R&D concepts into scalable, production-ready robotic capabilities. Potential systems include robotic manipulation, material transport, inspection, rack/server handling, and autonomous mobile robots for data center operations. The position is based in Austin, with potential travel to partner, manufacturing, lab, or deployment sites, and occasional collaboration across APAC time zones. The automation team's mission is to automate data centers in line with the Softbank Group's vision, working with internal teams and affiliates, and collaborating with Softbank Robotics and other third parties to solve complex data center operation challenges. The team focuses on delivering robust, production-quality systems that bridge cutting-edge research and real-world deployment.

Requirements

Experience in automation or equipment engineering, with a focus on mechatronic subsystems and modular machine design.
Experience taking robotic or automated systems from prototype/R&D into production or field deployment.
Experience with material handling systems, automated equipment, or productionized robotic solutions.
Familiarity with 3D localization or VLM-based object detection (e.g., perception/ segmentation).
Experience conducting FAT/SAT validation and managing technical deliverables with partners and manufacturers.
Proven ability to debug the "full-stack": PLC logic, high-level code (C# or Python), and complex mechanical/electrical hardware.
Experience with robotics frameworks and middleware such as ROS/ROS 2 and IsaacSIM for modeling robotic interactions and path planning.
Strong understanding of robotics fundamentals including perception, localization, mapping, planning or control.
Ability to lead technical initiatives and influence engineering direction through expertise and collaboration.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
Degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Mathematics, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience applying machine learning or AI techniques within robotics systems.
Experience with simulation environments and digital twin technologies.
Knowledge of computer vision, sensor fusion or reinforcement learning techniques.
Experience deploying robotics applications to cloud, edge or embedded environments.
Familiarity with GPU acceleration, high-performance computing or AI infrastructure.
Experience contributing to open-source robotics projects or technical communities.
Experience working in research-intensive or advanced technology environments.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership for the design, integration, validation, and deployment of robotic automation systems for data center operations.
Turn R&D concepts into scalable, production-ready robotic capabilities.
Align robotics, data center, internal engineering, SoftBank Group, and third-party partner teams to provide scalable autonomy capabilities.
Guide and mentor Softbank Group engineers and third-party partners without direct people management responsibilities, elevating technical judgment and Mechatronics best practices.
Contribute to technical planning, estimation and delivery of key project milestones.
Establish or execute verification and validation processes, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, FAT/SAT, site validation, or field deployment.
Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis across software, controls, mechanical, and electrical systems.
Iterate on end effectors, hardware interfaces, and robotic subsystems with partners.
Help build scalable software infrastructure, device management systems, and fleet coordination protocols by collaborating with Softbank Group affiliates and third-party partners.
Lead the transition of R&D feasibility studies into production-ready integrated systems.
Evaluate emerging technologies, tools and methodologies to improve robotics capabilities and engineering productivity.
Produce clear technical documentation and communicate engineering decisions effectively to a range of stakeholders.