Senior Robotics control Engineer_Locomotion

Humanoid; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering company at the forefront of AI and robotics, where you'll take ownership of locomotion control systems for advanced humanoid robots. This role offers the chance to develop cutting-edge algorithms that enhance mobility and adaptability in dynamic environments. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, you'll work alongside experts in a vibrant startup atmosphere, contributing to the creation of robots that redefine human capabilities. If you're passionate about robotics and eager to make a significant impact in the field, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

23 vacation days per year

Opportunities in AI and Robotics

Dynamic startup environment

High competitive salary

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in control system design for biped robots.
• Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing on humanoid robots.
• Proficiency in Python and C++ for algorithm development.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement control algorithms for locomotion tasks.
• Conduct rigorous testing in simulated and real-world environments.
• Collaborate with software and hardware teams to integrate control strategies.

Skills

Model Predictive Control (MPC)

Reinforcement Learning

Python

C++

Control Systems Design

Dynamic Robotic Systems

Sensor Fusion

Education

Master’s or PhD in Robotics

Master’s or PhD in Control Systems

Master’s or PhD in Mechatronics

Tools

Mujoco

Isaac Sim

Job description

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Humanoid is the first AI and robotics company in the UK, creating the world’s most advanced, reliable, commercially scalable, and safe humanoid robots. Our first humanoid robot HMND 01 is a next-gen labour automation unit, providing highly efficient services across various use cases, starting with industrial applications.

We’re seeking a highly skilled Staff Control Engineer to take ownership of the locomotion control systems for our biped humanoid robots. You’ll be at the cutting edge of robotics, responsible for developing advanced control algorithms that balance precision, efficiency, and adaptability. This role focuses on designing robust controllers for walking, balancing while manipulating, fall recovery, and other advanced mobility tasks. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in classic locomotion pipeline, whole-body control, and reinforcement learning.

Our Mission:

At Humanoid, we strive to create the world’s leading, commercially scalable, safe, and advanced humanoid robots that seamlessly integrate into daily life and amplify human capacity.

Vision:

In a world where artificial intelligence opens up new horizons, our faith in its potential unveils a new outlook where, together, humans and machines build a future filled with knowledge, inspiration, and discoveries. The development of a functional humanoid robot underpins an era of abundance and well-being, where poverty will disappear, and people can choose what they want to do. We believe that providing a universal basic income will be a true evolution of civilization.

Solution:

As demands on our environment rise, labour shortages loom. By deploying general-purpose humanoid robots in hazardous or monotonous environments, we envision a future where human well-being is safeguarded while addressing critical global labour needs.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design and implement control algorithms (classic or RL-based policies) for locomotion tasks, including walking, balancing while manipulating, squatting, stair climbing, fall recovery, and other dynamic maneuvers.
2. Model and simulate complex dynamics, considering robot kinematics, actuator limitations, and environmental interactions to optimize performance.
3. Conduct rigorous testing in simulated and real-world environments to validate algorithms and ensure robustness across various conditions.
4. Collaborate with software, hardware, and perception teams to integrate control strategies into the overall robotic system.

Required Qualifications:

1. Master’s or PhD in Robotics, Control Systems, Mechatronics, or related fields.
2. At least 5 years of experience in control system design and implementation for biped robots focusing on locomotion.
3. Proficiency with model predictive control (MPC), optimal control, and feedback control loops in dynamic robotic systems.
4. Expertise in reinforcement learning for robotics.
5. Deep understanding of humanoid robot dynamics and balance control.
6. Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing and deployment on physical humanoid robots.
7. Experience with robot simulation platforms such as Mujoco, Isaac Sim, or similar.
8. Proficiency in Python and C++ for algorithm development, testing, and deployment.
9. Knowledge of advanced topics like model-free RL, imitation learning, or hybrid control systems.
10. Familiarity with real-time control systems and hardware integration, including actuators and sensors.
11. Expertise in sensor fusion for state estimation (IMUs, joint encoders, force/torque sensors).

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Understanding of actuator dynamics and modeling.
2. Deep knowledge of legged robot dynamics, control, and stability management (ZMP, capture point control, etc.).
3. Experience designing control algorithms at the actuator level, including torque, impedance, position, velocity, and force control.
4. Familiarity with actuators like SEAs, harmonic drives, direct drive motors, and custom designs.
5. Experience with robotic system integration and validation from joint to whole-body motion.
6. Design and execution of HIL and SIL simulations for control testing.
7. Developing automated test frameworks for actuator performance and locomotion stability.
8. Experience with failure mode analysis, robustness testing, and system identification.
9. Ability to validate and tune controllers on humanoid platforms through lab and field testing.
10. Knowledge of gait optimization, energy efficiency, and compliance testing.

Benefits include a high competitive salary, 23 vacation days per year, opportunities in AI, Robotics, Blockchain, and a dynamic startup environment.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time