Junior Robotics Software Engineer

Noble Machines, Inc; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Noble Machines in Sunnyvale, CA seeks a Robotics Software Engineer to turn hardware prototypes into robust software tools. You will develop ROS 2 nodes, build GUIs, and create reusable automation for hardware bring-up and testing.

The role emphasizes hands-on software tied to hardware, with opportunities to grow in ROS, diagnostics, and cross-disciplinary collaboration within heavy industry robotics.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of robotics software or embedded systems experience.
• Proficient in C++ and Python.
• Strong debugging and software fundamentals.
• Comfort working with physical prototypes.
• Some ROS or robotics project experience.
• Familiar with CAN, serial, Ethernet, or USB interfaces.
• Ability to build simple user-facing tools or GUIs.
• Bias toward experimentation and rapid iteration.
• Clear communication across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Integrate new hardware prototypes with the robot’s software systems.
• Rapidly develop proof-of-concept software for evaluating new components and designs.
• Build control, configuration, visualization, and diagnostic GUIs for engineers and operators.
• Create reusable tools for hardware bring-up, testing, calibration, data collection, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and maintain ROS 2 nodes, interfaces, drivers, and supporting applications.
• Work with hardware engineers to define software interfaces and translate prototype requirements into working systems.
• Test integrated hardware/software behavior, analyze logs and telemetry, and diagnose issues across subsystem boundaries.
• Improve successful prototypes into reliable, documented, and maintainable engineering tools.
• Contribute to automated testing, simulation, deployment infrastructure, and other robotics software projects as priorities require.
• Participate in design discussions, code reviews, documentation, and field or lab testing.

Skills

C++

Python

ROS basics

Debugging

Education

Robotics

Computer Science

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Gazebo

Isaac Sim

MuJoCo

Docker

Job description

About Noble Machines

Noble Machines builds multipurpose robots to support human workers in the world's toughest jobs—turning dangerous work from a necessity into a choice. Our work demands reliability, robustness, and readiness for the unexpected—on time, every time. We're assembling a mission-driven team focused on delivering real impact in heavy industry, from construction and mining to energy. If you're driven to build rugged, reliable products that solve real-world problems, we'd love to talk.

Position Overview

As a Robotics Software Engineer, you will work closely with senior engineers to bring hardware prototypes to life and build essential software tools that support our robotic platforms. In this hands-on role, you will assist in integrating new hardware components, developing diagnostic and control interfaces, and maintaining ROS 2 nodes. If you enjoy working with physical systems, writing practical C++ and Python code, and building usable tools across hardware-software boundaries, this role offers an exciting opportunity to grow your technical skills on real-world systems.

Responsibilities

• Integrate new hardware prototypes with the robot’s software systems.
• Rapidly develop proof-of-concept software for evaluating new components and designs.
• Build control, configuration, visualization, and diagnostic GUIs for engineers and operators.
• Create reusable tools for hardware bring-up, testing, calibration, data collection, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and maintain ROS 2 nodes, interfaces, drivers, and supporting applications.
• Work with hardware engineers to define software interfaces and translate prototype requirements into working systems.
• Test integrated hardware/software behavior, analyze logs and telemetry, and diagnose issues across subsystem boundaries.
• Improve successful prototypes into reliable, documented, and maintainable engineering tools.
• Contribute to automated testing, simulation, deployment infrastructure, and other robotics software projects as priorities require.
• Participate in design discussions, code reviews, documentation, and field or lab testing.

Requirements

• 0–2 years of experience in robotics software, embedded systems, or hands-on engineering projects.
• Practical C++ and Python ability.
• Software fundamentals and debugging skills.
• Comfort working with physical systems and imperfect prototypes.
• Some ROS or robotics project experience, without requiring deep ROS 2/DDS expertise.
• Familiarity with common communication interfaces or protocols—such as CAN, serial, Ethernet, or USB—if those match the hardware.
• Ability to build simple user-facing tools or GUIs.
• A bias toward experimentation, iteration, and completing usable prototypes.
• Clear communication with engineers from different disciplines.

Nice to Have

• Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up, microcontroller development, or sensor integration.
• Familiarity with simulation environments (Gazebo, Isaac Sim, MuJoCo) or containerization (Docker).
• Educational background or degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Open-source contributions or personal robotics projects.

Pay Transparency & Compensation: In accordance with California's Pay Transparency Act (SB 1162), the expected base salary range for this position located in Sunnyvale, CA is $90,000 – $130,000 per year.

Actual compensation within this range will be determined based on several factors, including the candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, technical skills, and specialized expertise. Base salary is just one component of Noble Machines' total rewards package, which may also include equity options, comprehensive healthcare benefits, retirement plan contributions, and performance-based incentives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Noble Machines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.