Robotics Research Engineer, Manipulation and Control

Mission:

Our mission is to solve the most important and fundamental challenges in AI and Robotics to enable future generations of intelligent machines that will help us all live better lives.

This role is about co-designing hardware and control for dynamic manipulation at human cadence. This role lays the foundation for a bimanual robot capable of operating with human-level cadence in contact, movement fluidity, and mechanical realism, pushing forward the boundaries of dynamic manipulation.

Overview:

We are seeking a candidate with deep expertise in robotics, mechanics, design, and control to help contribute to the architecture of our custom robot platform for dynamic manipulation. This role includes proposing, analyzing, and defining approaches that support the co-design between hardware and software components on the robot, and that enable an efficient robot software architecture and motion performance. The candidate must have a track record in building and controlling physical systems, and analyzing tradeoffs between development complexity and modularity.

• Design and implement software and control structures that enable exploiting dynamics in motion
• Build and refine systems from scratch, including hardware and software integration
• Analyze the applicability of novel hardware designs for the robot architecture
• Integrate robot mechanics and physics knowledge into code for high-precision, natural movement
• Translate theoretical principles of robotics, physics, and motor operation into practical system designs
• Collaborate with a cross functional team of researchers and engineers to make fundamental progress in dynamic robot manipulation. 

• Strong foundation in mechanical engineering, computer science, mechatronics, robotics, or related field
• Expertise in robot mechanics, motor fundamentals, and applied physics
• Proficiency in coding for robotic control (C++, Python, and ROS2)
• Experience in coordinating multi-motor systems and complex motion control
• Hands-on skills in building, assembling, and troubleshooting robotic hardware
• Ability to translate theory into practical implementations for novel and experimental robot hardware

• 7 Years in Research and Development
• Background in humanoid robotics or complex dynamical systems with high degrees of freedom
• Knowledge of human biomechanics, motion, and modeling
• Formal work in software/hardware co-design and optimization
• A track record in contributing to leading venues in the field of robotics (Science Robotics, TRO, IJRR, RAL, ICRA, IROS, etc.)

• We are open to candidates with a variety of educational and professional backgrounds. Successful candidates typically meet one of the following profiles:
• PhD in robot design and controls, with a focus on systems-level approaches
• Master’s degree with several years of industry or applied research experience
• Bachelor’s degree with significant and relevant hands-on industry experience

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.