Robotics Engineer

About The Role

Join a dynamic, early-stage Y Combinator-funded startup focused on creating the "social brain" for humanoid robots, enabling natural and intelligent human-robot interactions. This San Francisco-based small engineering team builds software for perception, emotional insight, on-device autonomy, and self-directed locomotion.

As a Robotics Engineer, you will engage directly with advanced humanoid hardware and develop autonomy software to be deployed in real-world customer settings. You will provide expert guidance to robot manufacturers on optimal sensor positioning and hardware configurations. This role offers significant responsibility where your contributions have immediate impact and reach customers directly.

Responsibilities

• Create autonomy software for humanoid robots operating in live, consumer-facing environments.
• Consult with hardware makers on sensor layouts, interface integration, and effective operational design for next-generation humanoids.
• Work hands-on with sophisticated humanoid robots costing more than typical vehicles.
• Design, refine, and enhance camera-based 3D perception capabilities including identifying and tracking objects, interpreting gestures and body language, and recognizing speakers.
• Advance locomotion engineering to ensure safe navigation of robots in public spaces.
• Partner with animators to improve naturalistic movement, gestures, and body language of robots.
• Deploy and maintain onboard C++20 and offboard Python 3.14 software on custom-equipped humanoid platforms.
• Rapidly iterate on real-time deployed software across live customer robot fleets.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of professional experience in robotics engineering with a focus on autonomous robotic systems.
• Background in related domains such as humanoid robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, or rugged robotics.
• Proficient in C++ (preferably C++20) or Rust programming languages.
• Demonstrated success delivering robotics products that operate in real-world environments.
• Strong ability to troubleshoot and collaborate with tangible hardware components.
• Excellent ownership and responsibility for independently built features.
• Preferred experience deploying software on humanoid platforms (like Unitree G1) involving custom hardware integration.
• Expertise in camera-based 3D perception technologies, including detection, gesture recognition, and speaker identification.
• Experience working with software deployed directly on customer robots in production.
• Knowledge of locomotion techniques to safely guide robots in dynamic or unstructured environments.
• Additional plus points for Python development experience and experience in sensor placement and hardware interfacing within robotic systems.
• Experience collaborating with animators or motion experts to enhance robotic behavior is also advantageous.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual salary range from $150,000 to $225,000 based on experience.
• Visa sponsorship is provided for eligible candidates.
• Opportunity for meaningful equity participation and outsized influence at an early seed-stage company.

Location

This is a full-time position that requires working on-site in San Francisco, California. Candidates must be prepared to work from the company’s office. Work authorization sponsorship is available for qualified individuals.