Job description

About Zleni Robotics

Zleni Robotics is dedicated to creating autonomous robotic systems tailored for senior living communities. The goal is to alleviate chronic staffing shortages by automating repetitive physical tasks, empowering caregivers to focus more on direct resident care. Initially, the focus is on high-frequency operational workflows within retirement communities with plans to broaden care-related applications over time. The long-term vision encompasses intelligent robotic assistants capable of handling various functions across senior living environments.

Position Overview

As the Founding Robotics Engineer, you will collaborate closely with the founder to design and develop Zleni's first autonomous robotics platform. This critical, hands-on role covers robotics software engineering, AI development, perception, manipulation, and end-to-end system integration. Your contributions will help transition the robotics system from simulation stages to live deployments in senior living settings, influencing the technical framework, hardware choices, software architecture, and product development roadmap.

Key Responsibilities

Create and enhance the software stack that enables autonomous mobile manipulation capabilities.
Develop systems for perception, planning, navigation, and manipulation.
Integrate various hardware components including sensors, cameras, robotic arms, and mobile platforms.
Implement advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence solutions utilizing contemporary robotics frameworks.
Work with simulation tools such as NVIDIA Isaac Sim, Isaac Lab, and ROS 2.
Design, conduct, and analyze tests within both virtual and real-world environments.
Deploy robotic units in pilot retirement communities and iterate improvements based on received feedback.
Establish engineering workflows, tooling systems, and technical protocols in alignment with team expansion.
Participate in recruiting and mentoring upcoming robotics engineers.

Preferred Experience

Proficient with ROS 2 and NVIDIA Isaac simulation tools.
Programming skills in C++ and Python.
Expertise in computer vision, deep learning, robot manipulation, and motion planning.
Knowledge of SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) and sensor fusion techniques.
Familiarity with reinforcement learning and Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models.
Experience with embedded systems and Linux operating systems.

Additional Advantages

Previous experience developing autonomous robots.
Participation in robotics competitions.
Contributions to open-source robotics projects.
Educational background in Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering.
Experience deploying robotic systems in real-world settings outside of laboratory environments.

Cultural Fit and Work Style

Enjoys tackling complex engineering challenges.
Adapts quickly and thrives in ambiguous situations.
Performs well in fast-paced startup environments.
Engages actively with customers and embraces rapid iteration.
Seeks significant responsibility and ownership over projects.
Motivated by creating technology that positively impacts people's lives.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary determined by experience level.
Equity participation as an early employee.
Opportunity to be among the first engineering hires influencing the company’s technical evolution.
Collaborate closely with the founder in building a pioneering robotics enterprise.

Why Join Zleni Robotics?

The robotics sector is undergoing a pivotal transformation driven by AI, computer vision, and foundational models that enable robots to perform valuable tasks outside traditional manufacturing. Senior living is a significant yet underserved domain for physical AI, facing labor shortages and increased automation demand. Joining Zleni at this formative stage allows you to contribute foundational technology that can revolutionize care delivery while addressing some of the most challenging and impactful robotics problems in real-world scenarios.

Founding Robotics Engineer