Principal Robotics Engineer (Robotics Solutions & Integration)

Venti; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Venti Technologies seeks a senior robotics engineer to lead evaluation, development, and deployment of robotic automation for autonomous vehicle operations in ports and logistics hubs.

You will assess technologies, define system requirements, and drive integration into Venti's platform, prototyping new capabilities when needed and guiding buy-vs-build decisions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Robotics or closely related discipline with robotics focus.
• 8+ years of robotics industry experience with real-world deployment.
• Experience evaluating, selecting, and integrating third-party robotics technologies.
• Experience with industrial robotic platforms such as ABB, Fanuc, KUKA, Yaskawa, Universal Robots, Franka.
• Strong experience in robotic manipulation, motion planning, vision, perception, automation, safety.
• Experience with AI-driven robotics approaches (RL, imitation, VLM, etc.).
• Hands-on software: C++, Python, ROS/ROS2, MoveIt; capable of prototyping and debugging in the field.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation, development, and deployment of robotic automation solutions for autonomous vehicle operations in ports, intermodal rail yards, and logistics hubs.
• Define system requirements, lead proofs-of-concept, and drive integration into Venti's autonomous vehicle platform.
• When off-the-shelf solutions fall short, design and prototype new robotic capabilities.
• Provide technical leadership and build-versus-buy judgments.

Skills

Robotics engineering leadership

System integration

Robotic manipulation

Motion planning

Computer vision

Perception systems

Safety-critical robotics

AI-driven robotics approaches

Education

PhD in Robotics or related discipline

Tools

ABB

Fanuc

KUKA

Yaskawa

Universal Robots

Franka

ROS/ROS2

MoveIt

C++

Python

Job description

A world empowered by autonomy. We build robotic vehicles to improve logistics safety, forge a greener Earth, and enhance human lives.

We are a closely-knit team aspiring to change the world through disruptive technology. We are innovators. We are tinkerers. We are problem-solvers. And we have a fair amount of magic dust up our sleeves. We have a plan for fleet-level deployment of autonomous vehicles, and we are looking for the best-of-the-best to join us in making this a reality.

About Venti Technologies

Based in the U.S. and Asia, Venti Technologies is the leader in safe-speed autonomous logistics systems, developing the future of goods transportation. Using rigorous mathematics, deep learning, and theoretically-grounded algorithms, Venti has a proprietary collection of autonomy technologies including a suite of powerful logistics algorithms. Venti's proven value proposition of saving costs, increasing vehicle utilization, and improving safety is recognized by customers and driving growth.

Launched in 2018, Venti brings together an unsurpassed team internationally. The company has autonomous systems deployed in Asia for industrial and logistics sites and a growing pipeline. Venti has offices in Cambridge (Massachusetts, USA), Suzhou (China), and Singapore - our Asian headquarters.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced and hands‑on robotics engineer to lead the evaluation, development, and deployment of robotic automation solutions for autonomous vehicle operations in ports, intermodal rail yards, and logistics hubs.

The initial focus of this role will be autonomous trailer coupling operations, including automated connection and disconnection of air brake (gladhand) and electrical interfaces. This capability is a key enabler for fully driverless terminal operations.

The successful candidate will evaluate existing technologies, robotics suppliers, and research solutions, define system requirements, lead proof‑of‑concept activities, and drive integration into Venti's autonomous vehicle platform. Where suitable solutions do not exist, the candidate will be expected to develop and prototype new robotic capabilities.

This role requires a combination of technical leadership, system engineering, hands‑on development capability, and strong build-versus-buy judgment.

Role Responsibilities

• Solution Evaluation & Technology Strategy
  • Evaluate robotics, automation, sensing, and manipulation solutions from vendors, startups, and research institutions.
  • Conduct technical due diligence and gap analysis.
  • Develop build-versus-buy recommendations.
  • Identify opportunities to leverage existing technologies before pursuing custom development.

Vendor Engagement

• Engage with robotics vendors, automation suppliers, and research partners.
• Define technical requirements and interface specifications.
• Establish performance benchmarks and validation criteria.

System Architecture & Integration

• Define overall robotic automation architecture.
• Integrate robotic systems with ATTs
• Define mechanical, electrical, software, and safety interfaces.
• Support deployment, testing, and field validation.

Robotics Development & Prototyping

Where commercial solutions are insufficient:

• Design and prototype robotic manipulation solutions.
• Develop perception, localization, and control algorithms.
• Design end‑effectors and automation mechanisms.
• Implement robotic motion planning and controls.
• Analyze operational data and improve system robustness and reliability.

Required Experience

• Educational Background: PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or a closely related discipline with a strong focus on robotics.

Experience

• 8+ years of robotics industry experience, preferably involving real‑world deployment of robotic systems.
• Proven track record delivering robotic solutions from concept through deployment.
• Experience evaluating, selecting, and integrating third‑party robotics technologies.
• Experience with industrial robotic platforms such as ABB, Fanuc, KUKA, Yaskawa, Universal Robots, Franka, or equivalent systems.
• Strong experience in several of the following areas:
  • Robotic manipulation and industrial robotics
  • Motion planning and robot controls
  • Computer vision and pose estimation
  • Sensor fusion and perception systems
  • Industrial automation and system integration
  • Safety‑critical robotic systems
• Experience with modern AI‑driven robotics approaches is highly desirable, including:
  • End‑to‑end robotic learning systems
  • Vision‑Language‑Action (VLA)/VLM models
  • Learning‑based manipulation
  • Imitation learning
  • Reinforcement learning
  • Foundation models for robotics

Software & Development

Hands‑on experience with C++, Python, ROS / ROS2, MoveIt or equivalent robotics frameworks and Robot kinematics and controls. The candidate should be capable of personally developing prototypes, validating technical approaches, and troubleshooting field issues when required.

If you're ready to apply your skills and creativity to the most impactful challenges in autonomous logistics, we will love to hear from you!