Head of Robotics Locomotion and Controls

Vindynamics; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Vindynamics in Reno is seeking a leader to define the vision and roadmap for the Mobility Robotics stack, covering locomotion, navigation, motion planning, control, and the full mobility intelligence layer of the robot.

You will build and lead a high-performing Mobility Robotics team, collaborating with Mechanical, Electronics/Firmware, SLAM and Navigation, and Systems Engineering to ensure seamless end-to-end integration between mobility software and the full robot system.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in CS/Robotics or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of robotics software experience.
• Strong background in robot dynamics and control theory.
• Experience with reinforcement learning for mobility and locomotion.

Responsibilities

• Define the vision and roadmap for the Mobility Robotics stack (locomotion, navigation, planning, control).
• Build and lead a Mobility Robotics team (software, control, RL).
• Collaborate with Mechanical, Electronics/Firmware, SLAM and Systems Engineering for end-to-end integration.
• Stay ahead of advances in locomotion and autonomous mobility to shape R&D priorities.
• Ensure real-time, safe, and robust mobility performance in dynamic environments.

Skills

Robotics software

Reinforcement learning

Kinematics & dynamics

Leadership

Education

Master’s or PhD in Computer Science/Robotics

Tools

BulletSim

Mujoco

Isaac Lab

Job description

At VinDynamics, we design safe, affordable, and intelligent humanoid robots to assist in everyday life - robots for everyone. Backed by Vingroup, Vietnam’s leading technology conglomerate, we are on a mission to make advanced robotics accessible, reliable, and beneficial for billions of people worldwide. By combining cutting-edge AI, world-class engineering, and human-centered design, we aim to seamlessly integrate robots into daily life - enhancing safety, productivity, and happiness at home and beyond.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Job descriptions

• Define the vision and roadmap for the Mobility Robotics stack, covering locomotion, navigation, motion planning, control, and the full mobility intelligence layer of the robot
• Build and lead a high-performing Mobility Robotics team, combining robotics software engineers, control engineers, reinforcement learning engineers
• Collaborate closely with other teams like Mechanical, Electronics/Firmware, SLAM and Navigation and Systems Engineering teams to ensure seamless end-to-end integration between mobility software and the full robot system
• Stay ahead of industry and academic advances in locomotion, dynamic control, navigation, and autonomous mobility to shape R&D priorities and long-term technology strategy
• Ensure real-time, safe, and robust mobility performance in complex, unstructured, and continuously changing environments

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, or related fields
• 5 years minimum working in robotics software

Requirements

• Strong background in robot dynamics, kinematics, and control theory, including optimal control, and nonlinear systems
• Advanced experience with reinforcement learning, imitation learning for mobility and locomotion
• Hands-on experience with model-based controllers such as MPC, WBC, or impedance control
• Experience with physics-based simulation such as BulletSim, Mujoco, Isaac Lab
• Experience integrating perception such as vision, depth into locomotion
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and leadership skills
• Proactive, dedicated, business-oriented, responsible and willing to learn
• Good communication skills, creative problem-solving skills and attention to detail