Applied Scientist - Machine Learning

Do you want to be part of building the next generation of robots and see those robots out in the real world? If so, consider joining us at PickNik as a Robotics Scientist.

PickNik Robotics is the company behind MoveIt Pro, a software platform that combines AI and advanced motion planning to make robots work in the real world. We’re focused on pushing the boundaries of robotics — and showing what’s possible when robots are powered by great software. PickNik has taken our learnings from the past 10 years - working with Google, Amazon, Samsung, BMW, Lockheed Martin, NASA, and many startups - and distilled that knowledge into MoveIt Pro. Join us in helping companies deploy AI to robots fast and effectively, opening up new possibilities only limited by our customer’s imagination.

As a Robotics Scientist leading PickNik’s ML strategy, you will determine where state of the art ML models and modern software tooling can be the missing puzzle piece to the next generation of commercial robotic applications at scale. This role is focused on product development - creating software that will be used on robots around the world (and in outer space!). It requires both a strategic mindset to design singular solutions that fulfill multiple use cases and personally writing the code to make your innovative ideas come alive. Our development is driven by users in dozens of industries with robots spread across prototype, pilot, and production environments.

Am I a good fit?

• You love robotics and have a passion for creating the next generation of robot software leveraging ML.

• Are excited to be part of a team of robotics experts.

• Have the ability to provide thought leadership and influence your peers internally and externally

• Desire to contribute to solving big problems.

• Want to be part of the solution in making robotics models easy to deploy at scale.

• Ability to collaborate with teams around the world.

Requirements:

• PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, a related robotics-focused field and/or equivalent industry experience.

• Practical experience training and deploying vision and grasp transformers.

• Practical experience training and deploying end-to-end action policies.

• Strong knowledge of Python 3 and C++17 (or newer).

• Be able to travel approximately every other month to customer sites & conferences. Less than 20% of the time.

• Live in the Boulder/Denver area and have the ability to be in-office at least 3 days per week.

Additional Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Experience with sim-to-real and real-to-sim toolchains.

• Experience with frameworks including PyTorch and model formats such as ONNX.

• Previous projects involving ROS 2, MoveIt 2, Nav 2, Mujoco, or other robotic libraries.

• Understanding of cross-platform, multi-language package management tools such as Pixi

• Experience with full life-cycle library and application development, Git version control, software testing, and continuous integration.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

• 401k Matching

• Paid time off

• Opportunity to share in the company’s success through equity

Minimum Salary

• The minimum salary for this position is $130,000/year.