Robotics Engineer

LTA Research; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 171,924,480 - 243,559,680; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) matching

Parental leave

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Lighter Than Air in Sunnyvale is seeking a highly specialized Robotics Engineer to research, evaluate, and apply humanoid robotic systems in real‑world environments. This role bridges cutting‑edge robotics research with practical implementation, advising on how humanoid platforms can best be utilized to solve complex operational challenges.

The successful candidate will deliver a 3–5 year robotics adoption roadmap, conduct rigorous evaluations of platforms, and communicate concrete guidance to

Qualifications

• Degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, or Mechanical/Electrical Engineering.
• Experience in Humanoid Kinematics and Dynamic Control Systems.
• Self-starter who can navigate ambiguous research environments and provide concrete roadmaps.
• Proven ability to translate complex technical data into actionable guidance for non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time control and data analysis.
• Background in Machine Learning, specifically Reinforcement Learning for bipedal locomotion.
• Experience with ROS 2 and simulation environments like Gazebo or NVIDIA Isaac Sim.
• Familiarity with robotic perception including camera-based object detection and localization.
• Familiar with SST and TTS.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive research into humanoid robotics, focusing on locomotion, manipulation, and human-robot interaction.
• Advise on feasibility of integrating humanoid platforms into existing workflows.
• Evaluate and benchmark humanoid hardware/software architectures; review vendor roadmaps and maturity.
• Map integration of custom software modules or firmware updates for specific tasks.
• Support documentation of technical requirements, safety protocols, and performance metrics.
• Develop a 3-5 year robotics adoption roadmap.
• Create robotics opportunity assessments across LTA functions.
• Produce comparative evaluations of leading humanoid platforms.
• Design technical integration architectures and safety assessments.
• Conduct cost/benefit analyses and define a three-year roadmap.

Skills

Humanoid Kinematics

Dynamic Control

Reinforcement Learning

ROS 2 / Gazebo

Stakeholder Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Robotics/Mechatronics/Engineering

Tools

C++

Python

ROS 2

Gazebo

NVIDIA Isaac Sim

Job description

This job is a 6‑month contract position.

We are seeking a highly specialized Robotics Engineer to join our team. This role focuses on the research, evaluation, and strategic application of humanoid robotic systems in real‑world environments. It bridges the gap between cutting‑edge robotic research and practical implementation, advising on how humanoid platforms can best be utilized to solve complex operational challenges. This role is a full‑time 6‑month contractor position.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive research into the current state of humanoid robotics, including locomotion, manipulation, and human‑robot interaction.
• Advise on the feasibility of integrating specific humanoid platforms into existing workflows.
• Evaluate and benchmark various humanoid hardware and software architectures (e.g., actuators, sensor suites, and AI control models). Evaluate vendor roadmaps and technology maturity.
• Map out the integration of custom software modules or firmware updates tailored for specific application tasks.
• Support the documentation of technical requirements, safety protocols, and performance metrics for humanoid testing phases.
• Develop a 3-5 year robotics adoption roadmap.

Deliverables

• Robotics opportunity assessment across all LTA business functions.
• Comparative evaluation of leading humanoid platforms.
• Technical integration architecture.
• Safety assessment.
• Cost/benefit analysis.
• Three‑year robotics implementation roadmap.

Qualifications

• Degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, or Mechanical/Electrical Engineering.
• Experience in Humanoid Kinematics and Dynamic Control Systems.
• Self‑starter with the ability to navigate ambiguous research environments and provide concrete strategic roadmaps.
• Proven ability to translate complex technical data into actionable advice for non‑technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for real‑time control and data analysis.
• Background in Machine Learning, specifically Reinforcement Learning for bipedal locomotion.
• Experience with ROS 2 and simulation environments like Gazebo or NVIDIA Isaac Sim.
• Familiar with robotic perception, including camera‑based object detection and visual localization.
• Familiar with SST (speech‑to‑text) and TTS (text‑to‑speech).

Compliance Requirements

• Background check clearance
• Drug Test clearance wherever applicable

What We Offer

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, 70% for dependents)
• Company‑paid life, AD&D, long‑term disability, and short‑term disability insurance
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Fun events and swag
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields

$60 - $85 an hour

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.