Lead Perception Robotics Engineer, Real-Time Systems

Exol; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 248,000; Full time

Job summary

Symbotic in Austin, TX is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead perception software for loading dock automation and automated forklifts. You will design real-time perception systems, mentor engineers, and collaborate with the broader engineering org.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in real-time robotics software, deep perception expertise (SLAM, sensor fusion, CV), and experience with Linux, Docker, ROS/ROS2.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related discipline.
• 10+ years of professional experience in real-time software.
• Deep Perception expertise: SLAM, sensor fusion, state estimation, CV, real-time processing of cameras/LiDARs.
• Proven track record delivering robotic systems to production with measurable value.
• Experience mentoring or growing other engineers.
• Comfort with broader technical scope beyond Perception (Controls, architecture, CI/CD, planning, KPI ownership).
• Experience with embedded or GPU-accelerated platforms (e.g., Nvidia).
• Linux, Docker, and CI/CD tooling experience.
• Asynchronous/multithreaded programming experience.
• Experience with ROS/ROS2.
• Agile development experience.
• Excellent communication with stakeholders.
• Willing to base in Austin, TX.
• Preferred: autonomous mobile robots or automated forklifts.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop real-time, high-performance perception software for automated forklifts and loading dock systems.
• Lead technical contributions within the Perception organization and collaborate with the broader engineering group.
• Mentor and grow engineers to scale the perceptual software stack.
• Diagnose root causes and apply systems-level thinking across the platform.
• Define scoping, requirements, and long-term technical roadmaps.
• Interface with customer program stakeholders on direction and KPIs as needed.
• Apply broader engineering scope (Controls, system architecture, CI/CD, cross-team planning).
• Build high-quality software in a fast-paced environment and promote best practices.

Skills

SLAM

Sensor fusion

State estimation

Computer vision

LiDAR processing

Embedded/GPU platforms

Linux

Docker

CI/CD

ROS/ROS2

Asynchronous/multithreaded

Agile

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Robotics, Mathematics

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Docker

Linux

Job description

Symbotic in Austin, TX is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead perception software for loading dock automation and automated forklifts. You will design real-time perception systems, mentor engineers, and collaborate with the broader engineering org.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in real-time robotics software, deep perception expertise (SLAM, sensor fusion, CV), and experience with Linux, Docker, ROS/ROS2.