Lead Robotics & Automation Engineer

ZipRecruiter; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is on the lookout for a Lead Robotics & Automation Engineer to drive the development of cutting-edge automation solutions. This role is pivotal in enhancing advanced plant breeding and biotechnology processes through the integration of hardware, software, and machine learning. The ideal candidate will lead the charge in architecting and deploying automated systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless workflows. If you are passionate about robotics and automation and want to make a significant impact in a multidisciplinary environment, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in integrated automation solutions.
• Expertise in integrating hardware and software systems.
• Proficiency in software development and containerization.

Responsibilities

• Architect and integrate automation systems across platforms.
• Lead integration of robotic systems and analytics pipelines.
• Collaborate with teams to translate operational needs into solutions.

Skills

Python

C++

Rust

FastAPI

ROS

PyTorch

Docker

Computer Vision

Machine Learning

Cloud Infrastructure

Education

Bachelor's or advanced degree in Engineering

Bachelor's or advanced degree in Computer Science

Bachelor's or advanced degree in Robotics

Tools

Robotics Platforms

Sensor Systems

Imaging Systems

Event-Driven Architectures

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Position: Lead Robotics & Automation Engineer

Location: San Francisco, CA

Type: Full-time

Desired start date: ASAP

The Opportunity:

Ohalo is seeking an experienced Lead Robotics & Automation Engineer to architect, integrate, and deploy automated systems spanning hardware, software, and machine learning. In this role, you'll be central to delivering automation solutions that accelerate and scale Ohalo's advanced plant breeding and biotechnology processes. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative automation solutions in a multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and integrate automation systems across software platforms, robotics hardware, and machine learning applications.
• Lead the integration of robotic systems, computer vision, and analytics pipelines into cohesive automation workflows.
• Collaborate closely with software engineers, domain scientists, and lab technicians to translate operational requirements into technical solutions.
• Manage the lifecycle of automation solutions—from requirements gathering through design, implementation, testing, deployment, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of software, hardware and mechanical components for robotic systems, real-time monitoring systems and sensor systems.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies to enhance system performance, scalability, reliability, and user experience.
• Ensure systems meet robust standards for safety, data security, and regulatory compliance.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience designing and deploying integrated automation solutions.
• Demonstrated expertise in integrating hardware components—including robotics, sensors, and imaging systems—with software systems and machine learning workflows.
• Proficiency in software development (e.g., Python, C++, Rust), frameworks (e.g., FastAPI, ROS, PyTorch), and containerization technologies (Docker).
• Experience with robotics platforms (e.g., liquid handling, robotic arms, end-of-arm tooling) or similar automation hardware.
• Experience integrating computer vision systems (e.g., YOLO) and machine learning models into real-time automation workflows.
• Understanding of cloud infrastructure (e.g., GCP, AWS), edge computing, and event-driven architectures.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and technical leadership skills.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and ability to work effectively within remote teams.

The anticipated pay range for this role is $140,000 - $190,000 per year. Final compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including working location (Aptos vs. San Francisco), experience, and business needs.

About Ohalo:

Ohalo aims to accelerate evolution to unlock nature's potential. Founded in 2019, Ohalo develops novel breeding systems and improved plant varieties that help farmers grow more food with fewer natural resources, increasing the yield, resiliency, and genetic of crops to sustainably feed our population. Ohalo's breakthrough technology, Boosted Breeding, will usher in a new era of improved productivity to radically transform global agriculture. For more information, visit www.ohalo.com.

Notes: If you previously applied for a job at Ohalo Genetics, we encourage you to restate your interest in the position by submitting your application.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position at this time.

No recruiters, please.