Principal Software Engineer - Robotics

Genie; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 156,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k matching

tuition reimbursement

paid time off

Job summary

Genie in Redmond, WA seeks a Principal Robotics Engineer to lead the design of advanced control systems for industrial applications. You will work collaboratively across teams, utilizing your deep expertise in robotics, control theory, and embedded systems.

The successful candidate will architect scalable solutions, design vehicle control systems, and implement ROS2 hardware interfaces. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and strong C++ skills are required. Attractive salary and benefits package included.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics or similar required.
• Deep understanding of control theory including vehicle dynamics.
• Strong C++ skills for embedded environments essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of vehicle control systems and embedded logic.
• Implement hardware interfaces integrating ROS2 with custom hardware.
• Design closed-loop control algorithms to manage vehicle dynamics.

Skills

Control Theory Expertise

ROS2 Mastery

C/C++ Proficiency

Vehicle Architecture Experience

Embedded Protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or similar

MS in Robotics or 8 years of relevant experience

Tools

ROS2

Various Embedded Protocols (CAN, I2C, SPI, RS485)

Microcontrollers

Job description

Join our team at Genie and embark on an exciting opportunity as we seek a skilled and dedicated principal robotics engineer to contribute to the software controls systems team.

At Genie we believe in fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every person is empowered to thrive. We’re dedicated to driving quality, innovation, embracing diversity, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We’re committed to excellence in everything we do, and we’re seeking talented individuals who share our passion and values to join our team.

As a Software Engineer Principal I, you will be a technical leader responsible for designing and implementing advanced control systems for Genie’s equipment. You will collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to architect scalable, real-time solutions for industrial applications. This is an individual contributor role with broad technical influence and mentorship responsibilities, requiring deep expertise in robotics, control theory, and embedded systems.

What you’ll do

Architect the Vehicle Control System

• Lead the design of the complete vehicle architecture.
• Decide what logic runs on the central high‑performance embedded computer running Linux versus what is offloaded to distributed real‑time microcontrollers.

ROS2 Control Implementation

• Implement ros2_control hardware interfaces that abstract complex custom hardware into standard interfaces.
• Develop firmware and drivers to interface ROS2 with low‑level custom hardware boards via:
• CAN‑FD (J1939 / CANopen)
• I2C
• SPI
• UART

Algorithm Design

• Design and tune closed‑loop control algorithms (PID, MPC, LQR) to manage vehicle dynamics.
• Actuate multi‑DOF systems with precision and implement controllers within ROS2.

Hardware Interface, Sensor Fusion & Instrumentation

• Select and integrate sensors including IMUs, encoders, LiDAR, GPS, and pressure transducers.
• Create accurate vehicle state estimates through sensor fusion.

Hydraulic Systems Control

• Model and control complex non‑linear hydraulic systems (valves, pumps, cylinders).
• Convert digital control commands into fluid power actions.
• Act as the subject matter expert in control theory and robotics.
• Bridge knowledge gaps across embedded and application software teams.

What you’ll bring

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or similar field
• Control Theory Expertise: Deep understanding of classical and modern control theory, including vehicle kinematics and dynamics.
• ROS2 Mastery: Proven experience with ROS2, particularly ros2_control, hardware interfaces, and node lifecycle management.
• Vehicle Architecture Experience: Experience designing distributed control architectures for mobile robots, automotive systems, or heavy machinery.
• Embedded Protocols: Hands‑on experience with:
• CAN bus (J1939 or CANopen)
• I2C
• SPI
• RS485
• C/C++ Proficiency: Strong real‑time C++ skills (C++20/23) for constrained embedded environments.

Preferred Qualifications (Highly Desirable):

• Education: MS in Robotics or 8 years of relevant experience
• Hydraulics Experience: Electro‑hydraulic control experience in heavy machinery, agriculture, or construction equipment.
• Safety‑Critical Systems: Knowledge of functional safety standards or safety‑critical RTOS implementations.
• Simulation: Experience with URDF and simulators such as Gazebo or Isaac Sim.
• Microcontrollers: Experience with real‑time microcontrollers and application processors, including Yocto Linux.

Salary: The salary for this role is $156k–190k. The salary range will vary based on relevant experience. All eligible Team Members will be offered health insurance (medical, dental, vision, Rx), life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), short‑term and long‑term disability, extended leave options, paid time off, company holidays, 401k matching, employee stock purchase plan, legal assistance, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement and discount programs.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. If you are a qualified individual with a disability, including disabled veterans, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting the recruiting department (person or department) at [e-mail].