Chief Expert Robotics

Joinimagine; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 330,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

401K retirement plan with employer 401

Wellness programs

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Bosch Research pioneers cutting-edge AI for industrial applications, from autonomous systems to robotics. Join us as Chief Expert Robotics to shape the future of robotics with strategic technology leadership and end-to-end deployment.

You will translate algorithms into production-ready hardware and software, guide architecture decisions, mentor multi-disciplinary teams, and collaborate with product managers and startups to deliver real customer ROI.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8+ years of robotics/autonomous systems development experience.
• Proven track record in production robotics deployments and startup/innovation teams.
• Strong ROS/ROS 2, C++, Python, Linux/RTOS expertise.
• Hands-on with GPU-accelerated simulators and teleoperation pipelines.
• Experience with perception, state estimation, and manipulation systems.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts to executives and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end robotics deployment, translating algorithms to production-ready hardware/software.
• Move physical robots from lab to real-world environments (manufacturing, logistics, field).
• Define and drive long-term robotics research roadmap (perception, manipulation, planning, AI/ML).
• Make system architecture and hardware-software co-design decisions; evaluate make/buy options.
• Foster an agile engineering culture with rapid prototyping and disciplined testing.

Skills

ROS/ROS 2

C++

Python

Linux/RTOS

Perception & SLAM

Motion planning

Imitation Learning

Reinforcement Learning

System architecture

Prototyping

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Robotics/Mechatronics/CS/EE

Tools

NVIDIA Isaac Sim

MuJoCo

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL)

Job description

Company Description

We Are Bosch.

At Bosch, we shape the future by inventing high-quality technologies and services that spark enthusiasm and enrich people’s lives. Our areas of activity are every bit as diverse as our outstanding Bosch teams around the world. Their creativity is the key to innovation through connected living, mobility, or industry.

Let’s grow together, enjoy more, and inspire each other. Work #LikeABosch

• Reinvent yourself: At Bosch, you will evolve.
• Discover new directions: At Bosch, you will find your place.
• Balance your life: At Bosch, your job matches your lifestyle.
• Celebrate success: At Bosch, we celebrate you.
• Be yourself: At Bosch, we value values.
• Shape tomorrow: At Bosch, you change lives.

Job Description

At Bosch Research, we pioneer cutting-edge AI algorithms for high-impact industrial applications, from automated driving to intelligent agentic systems. Our innovations are the foundation for high-performance, robust, and safe AI solutions across the Bosch Group. Join us as a Chief Expert in Robotics and shape the future of autonomous systems.

• Drive End-to-End Robotics Deployment: As a Chief Expert Robotics, you will lead the technical implementation and architecture of advanced robotic systems by translating complex algorithms into reliable, production-ready hardware and software solutions.
• You will take physical robots from the concept and laboratory stage directly into real-world operating environments, whether in manufacturing, logistics, or field applications.
• Strategic Technology Leadership: Furthermore, you will define and drive the long-term robotics research roadmap by identifying emerging technologies in perception, manipulation, motion planning, and AI/ML.
• As a technical expert, you will make key decisions regarding system architecture, hardware-software co-design, and make-or-buy strategies.
• Foster Agile & Pragmatic Engineering Culture: Within interdisciplinary teams, you will foster a fast-paced, startup-like prototyping culture focused on rapid iteration, fail-fast principles, and continuous testing on physical hardware.
• You will mentor and coach researchers across multiple disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electronics, software engineering, and artificial intelligence.
• Stakeholder & Ecosystem Collaboration: You will work closely with business units, product managers, and external partners to ensure that our robotics innovations solve real customer needs and deliver a clear ROI.
• Last but not least, you will scout and collaborate with leading robotics startups, venture partners, and academic institutions to integrate state-of-the-art technologies.

Qualifications

• Education: Completed Master's degree or PhD in Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent professional experience (minimum 8+ years in robotics/autonomous systems development)
• Required Experience and Knowledge:
  • Minimum 8+ years of professional experience in robotics and autonomous systems, with demonstrated success in building or deploying advanced physical AI/robotic systems in production environments
  • Proven background in robotics organizations, including startups, scale-ups, or innovation-focused teams
  • Deep technical expertise in core robotics technology stacks (e.g., ROS/ROS 2, modern C++, Python, Linux/RTOS)
  • Hands-on experience with GPU-accelerated simulation tools (e.g., NVIDIA Isaac Sim/Lab, MuJoCo) and teleoperation/data collection pipelines
  • Practical experience with modern robotic learning methodologies (Imitation Learning, Diffusion Policy, ACT, Reinforcement Learning, or Foundation Models including VLMs/VLAs)
  • Demonstrated knowledge of perception and state estimation techniques (sensor fusion, SLAM, 3D vision, LiDAR/camera calibration)
  • Expertise in manipulation and grasping systems (end-effectors, tactile sensing, teleoperation)
  • Professional experience with Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, safety protocols, and design for reliability
  • Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical challenges across full-stack systems, from electrical and CAN bus issues on physical robots to software race conditions and edge cases
  • Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to executive leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams
  • Track record of implementing iterative prototyping methodologies that enable rapid development cycles
• Languages: Fluent written and spoken English

Additional Information

This position is open to Sunnyvale, CA; Pittsburgh PA and Renningen, Germany. If you are interested in the position in:

The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position in Sunnyvale, California is $330,000-$350,000. Within the range, individual pay is determined based on several factors, including, but not limited to, work experience and job knowledge, complexity of the role, job location, etc. This range does not include annual bonus percentage nor any other monetary considerations for the total compensation package. Your Recruiter can share more details about the specific salary range for this position during the interview process.

In addition to your base salary, Bosch offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision plans; health savings accounts (HSA); flexible spending accounts; 401(K) retirement plan with an attractive employer match; wellness programs; life insurance; long term disability insurance; paid time off; parental leave. Pay ranges included in the postings, when included, generally reflect base salary; certain positions may include bonus, or additional benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability / veterans

*Bosch adheres to Federal, State, and Local laws regarding drug-testing. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screen and background check. Candidates who have been offered the position must pass both screenings before their start date.