Job Description

Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Manipulation

Chef Robotics is on a mission to accelerate the advent of intelligent machines in the physical world. As the rise of LLMs like ChatGPT has shown, AI has the potential to drive immense change. However, we believe AI's biggest impact will be in the physical world, given industries like manufacturing, food, and transportation represent 90% of global GDP. We're starting with food, with a goal to put an intelligent robot in every commercial kitchen in the world. We're backed by investors like Kleiner Perkins, Construct, Bloomberg BETA and Promus Ventures. We have a great team, where you will be surrounded by talented engineers and tech leaders from companies like Cruise, Zoox, Google, Verb Surgical, Tesla, Nuro, Vicarious, Amazon Robotics, Strateos, Built Robotics, Facebook, Plenty, Yelp, and Microsoft.

About the Role

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.

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-making
• Implement 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

Required Qualifications - Technical Expertise

• 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)

Domain Knowledge

• 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

Personal Attributes

• Excellent mathematical skills, especially with geometry, probability and statistics, linear algebra, and machine learning
• Strong 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

Desired Qualifications

• 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

Key Projects You Will Lead

• 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

$150,000 - $240,000 a year

Chef is an early-stage startup where equity is a major part of the compensation package. As the company secures more capital, we will gradually increase salary and cash compensation. The starting salary will depend on seniority. In addition to salary and early-stage equity, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, commuter benefits, flexible paid time off (PTO), catered lunch, and 401(k) matching.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizen status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, age, pregnancy status, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability, or any other protected status. Multiple studies have found that a higher percentage of women and BIPOC candidates won't apply if they don't meet every listed qualification. Chef values candidates of all backgrounds. If you find yourself excited by our mission but you don't check every box in the description, we encourage you to apply anyway!

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