Mechanical Engineer, Robotics

ndimensions labs; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ndimensions Labs seeks an AI engineer focused on robotics navigation to advance SLAM, path planning, and spatial reasoning for autonomous systems. You will research and implement novel approaches combining classical techniques with modern AI to solve challenging navigation problems.

The role emphasizes real-time mapping, localization, and integration with perception, manipulation, and task planning on physical robots, with rapid iteration between simulation and real-world testing.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent industry experience in robotics or CS.
• Proven research or engineering contributions in robotics navigation.
• Strong working knowledge of ROS/ROS2 and Nav2/move_base.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time robotics software.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement SLAM systems (visual, LiDAR, multisensor) for real-time mapping and localization.
• Develop navigation algorithms combining learned representations with geometric reasoning.
• Research neural SLAM and foundation-model-based scene understanding for spatial reasoning.
• Build and optimize path- and motion-planning pipelines for real-time robotic hardware.
• Integrate navigation with perception, manipulation, and high-level planning modules.
• Design experiments to evaluate navigation across diverse environments.
• Deploy navigation stacks on physical robots and iterate with simulation and real-world tests.

Skills

Robotics navigation

SLAM

C++

Python

ROS/ROS2

Path planning

Optimization

Probabilistic inference

3D geometry

Multisensor fusion

Education

Master's or PhD in Robotics/CS

Tools

Nav2

move_base

tf2

Occupancy grids

Job description

About Ndimensions Labs:

At Ndimensions, we're inventing the infrastructure for next-generation robotics AI systems. Our robots need to understand, map, and move through complex real-world environments with precision and intelligence. We're looking for an AI engineer focused on robotics navigation to push the boundaries of how autonomous systems perceive and traverse their environments. You'll research and implement novel approaches to SLAM, path planning, and spatial reasoning — combining classical techniques with modern AI methods to solve navigation problems that don't yet have good solutions.

What You'll Do:

• Design and implement state-of-the-art SLAM systems (visual, LiDAR, multi-sensor fusion) for real-time mapping and localization in dynamic environments.
• Develop novel navigation algorithms that combine learned representations with geometric reasoning for robust autonomous movement.
• Research and prototype new approaches to spatial understanding, including neural implicit representations, foundation model-based scene understanding, and learned cost maps.
• Build and optimize path- and motion-planning pipelines that operate under real-time constraints on robotic hardware.
• Integrate navigation systems with perception, manipulation, and high-level task planning modules.
• Design experiments and benchmarks to evaluate navigation performance across diverse environments and conditions.
• Deploy and validate navigation stacks on physical robots, iterating rapidly between simulation and real-world testing.

What We're Looking For:

• Strong background in robotics navigation, SLAM, and autonomous systems with demonstrated research or engineering contributions.
• Deep understanding of traditional SLAM and navigation fundamentals: graph-based optimization, factor graphs, loop closure, occupancy grids, costmaps, and multi-sensor fusion (camera, IMU, LiDAR, depth sensors).
• Experience applying AI and learning-based approaches to navigation problems — e.g., learned cost maps, neural SLAM, end-to-end navigation policies, or foundation model-driven spatial reasoning.
• Strong working knowledge of the ROS/ROS2 ecosystem, including Nav2, move_base, tf2, and common navigation stacks.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time robotics software development.
• Experience implementing and deploying navigation systems on real robots, not just in simulation.
• Strong foundation in linear algebra, optimization, probabilistic inference, and 3D geometry.
• Ability to read, reproduce, and extend results from recent research papers and develop novel algorithmic approaches.
• Master's or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience).

Bonus (Not Required):

• Experience with robotic manipulators, actuators, or force/torque-controlled mechanisms.
• Familiarity with motor control and electromechanical integration alongside electrical and firmware teams.
• A track record of shipping premium consumer or hardware products where fit, finish, and reliability mattered.
• Prior work in a startup or fast-paced hardware prototyping environment.