Senior Software Engineer – Robotic Manipulation (PhD)

STAR ROBOTICS; Madrid; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Startup environment with growth

Hands-on robotics hardware experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Job summary

Star Robotics is seeking a Senior Software Engineer with a PhD to lead software for autonomous robotic arm manipulation. You will design, implement and validate software integrated with robotic hardware on client projects in a cross‑functional team.

The role emphasizes ROS2, Ubuntu, C++, Python, and hands-on work with real robots in an on‑site environment in Madrid. Fluent Spanish is required, with room to grow in a fast‑moving robotics startup.

Qualifications

• PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering or related field (required).
• Proven experience in robotic arm manipulation.
• Strong experience with ROS 2 and Ubuntu.
• Advanced programming skills in C++ and Python.
• Fluent Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and integrate software for autonomous robotic arm manipulation.
• Develop solutions for scanning and perceiving surfaces and unknown objects.
• Work on motion planning, control and integration of manipulators with perception systems.
• Test and validate solutions on real hardware.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electronics and software engineers to deliver robust solutions to the client.

Skills

Robotic arm manipulation

ROS 2

C++

Python

Spanish

Education

PhD in Robotics/CS/Engineering

Tools

ROS 2

Ubuntu

Job description

Senior Software Engineer – Robotic Manipulation (PhD)

At Star Robotics, we design, develop and manufacture autonomous robots for a wide range of real-world tasks. Our mission is to unlock new levels of efficiency by making robots operate and navigate smarter than ever before.

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer with a PhD and deep expertise in robotic arm manipulation to join our team. You will collaborate with a cross-functional engineering team to design, develop and integrate software solutions into our robotic products.

The role

In this role, you will mainly work on a project for a specific client focused on autonomous manipulation, as well as scanning of surfaces and unknown objects. You will be part of a multidisciplinary engineering team in a highly collaborative environment, full of technical challenges, where your ideas will have a direct impact on the final product.

• Design, develop and integrate software for autonomous robotic arm manipulation.
• Develop solutions for scanning and perceiving surfaces and unknown objects.
• Work on motion planning, control and integration of manipulators with perception systems.
• Test and validate solutions on real hardware.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electronics and software engineers to deliver robust solutions to the client.
• PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering or a related field (required).
• Proven experience in robotic arm manipulation.
• Strong experience with ROS 2 and Ubuntu.
• Advanced programming skills in C++ and Python.
• Ability to work autonomously, with a strong problem-solving mindset and a goal-oriented attitude.
• Fluent Spanish.

Nice to have

• Experience deploying robotic applications on NVIDIA Jetson platforms
• Experience with NVIDIA Isaac ROS
• Experience with Universal Robots (UR) manipulators.
• Experience with MoveIt, cuMotion or similar motion planning frameworks.
• Experience with 3D perception, point clouds or surface reconstruction.

Work environment

This is an on-site position, as the role involves hands-on work with robotic hardware.

What we offer

• The opportunity to join a fast-growing technology company in the robotics sector.
• The chance to work on real autonomous robot products used in real-world environments.
• Collaboration with a cross-functional engineering team.
• A startup environment with opportunities to grow, learn and take ownership.
• Full-time position: 40 hours per week.
• Salary based on the candidate's experience.