Robotic Perception Lead

SoftServe; Germany (OH); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

SoftServe seeks a Senior Robotics AI Lead to own the design and delivery of perception and AI-driven systems for real-world environments. You’ll collaborate across teams to translate research ideas into robust, deployable robotics platforms supporting industrial automation, healthcare robotics, and autonomous systems.

The role demands deep expertise in C/C++, Python, AI frameworks, ROS/ROS2, and scalable cloud integration, with global client exposure and travel for on-site engagements.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in software with 2+ years in a Tech Lead role.
• Expertise in AI-based robotics perception and computer vision.
• Experience with TensorFlow/PyTorch, OpenCV, ROS/ROS2.
• Production deployment of AI/vision models; cloud integration.
• Strong background in robotics fundamentals and planning.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver perception and AI systems for robots globally.
• Lead development for mobile robots, robotic arms, and drones.
• Develop AI models using state-of-the-art tech.
• Build robotics simulations and integrate with cloud services.
• Lead rapid prototyping to production-ready solutions.
• Travel for onsite and remote engagements with clients.

Skills

C/C++

Python

AI/ML leadership

ROS/ROS2

Computer vision

Unix/Linux

Cloud AWS/Azure

CI/CD

English proficiency

German language (Germany)

Education

MSc or PhD in Robotics/CS/Applied Math

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

OpenCV

ROS/ROS2

Isaac Sim

Blender

Job description

In this role you will take ownership of designing and delivering advanced robotics perception and AI-driven systems that operate in real-world environments. You will work on solving complex, high-impact challenges across domains such as industrial automation, healthcare robotics, autonomous systems, and next-generation intelligent machines, in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to build and scale robotics solutions spanning simulation, AI model development, and real-world robotic platforms, ensuring that research ideas are translated into robust, deployable systems.

You will contribute to systems that directly influence how robots perceive, understand, and interact with the physical world — from prototypes to production-grade deployments used by global clients across Europe, the US, APAC, and LATAM.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and develop solutions for robots globally, both remotely and onsite during business trips
• Create solutions for various types of robots, including mobile robots, robotic arms, and drones
• Develop AI models using the latest state-of-the-art technologies
• Build robotics simulations with cutting‑edge tools
• Work with promptable and foundation models
• Build dynamic teams and support team growth
• Create rapid prototypes and production‑ready solutions
• Test AI and robotics solutions in simulated and real‑world environments
• Build pipelines for reinforcement and imitation learning
• Integrate robots with cloud services
• Design automated robotic AI systems to enhance production and precision in specific industries
• Research the latest trends in the robotics AI domain
• Travel for both short‑ and long‑term onsite projects

REQUIREMENTS

• Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python, with 6+ years of software development experience, including at least 2 years in a Tech Lead role
• Strong experience in designing and leading AI‑based robotics perception and computer vision systems
• Advanced knowledge of AI and deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, as well as OpenCV and ROS/ROS2
• Strong experience with computer vision and robotics perception tasks including object detection, segmentation, tracking, action planning, generative AI, reinforcement learning, imitation learning, NLP, and point cloud / RGB‑D data processing
• Solid knowledge of robotics simulation and rendering environments such as Isaac Sim, Blender, Bullet, and Genesis
• Strong understanding of algorithm design and software architecture for complex, high‑performance systems
• Solid experience with Unix/Linux systems and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)
• Good knowledge of networking principles and communication protocols used in distributed systems
• Strong experience with CI/CD pipelines, MLOps practices, build & deployment workflows, and monitoring of complex systems
• Advanced academic background (MSc or PhD) in Robotics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with a detail‑oriented and problem‑solving mindset
• Proven experience in deploying AI and computer vision models into production, including working with and adapting open‑source (including under‑maintained) codebases
• Strong knowledge of robotics fundamentals including SLAM, localization, mapping, path planning, obstacle avoidance, motion planning, and trajectory planning (e.g., MoveIt)
• Strong experience in technical pre‑sales activities, including presentations, workshops, and communication with senior stakeholders and C‑level executives
• Upper‑intermediate or higher level of English proficiency (spoken and written)
• Professional working proficiency in German for Germany‑based candidates to support business and stakeholder communication

SoftServe is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, citizenship, disability, health condition, marital or family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.