Robotics Engineer

LTA Research; Sunnyvale, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid holidays

PTO

Parental leave

Snacks provided

Airship ride

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

LTA Research & Exploration is seeking a Robotics Engineer for a 6-month, full-time contractor role in Sunnyvale, CA. You will bridge cutting-edge humanoid robotics research with practical implementation, evaluating platforms, and crafting a 3–5 year adoption roadmap.

The role requires a robotics or related engineering degree, expertise in humanoid kinematics and dynamic control, plus hands-on skills in ROS 2, Gazebo, and C++/Python for real-time control and data analysis.

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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive research into humanoid robotics, including locomotion, manipulation, and human-robot interaction.
• Advise on feasibility of integrating humanoid platforms into workflows.
• Evaluate and benchmark humanoid hardware and software architectures; evaluate vendor roadmaps and technology maturity.
• Map out integration of custom software modules or firmware updates for specific tasks.
• Support documentation of requirements, safety protocols, and performance metrics for testing phases.
• Develop a 3-5 year robotics adoption roadmap.

Skills

Robotics/Mechatronics/Control Systems

Humanoid kinematics

Dynamic control systems

Self-starter

Translate complex data

Education

Robotics/Mechatronics/Mechanical or Electrical Eng degree

Tools

ROS 2

Gazebo

NVIDIA Isaac Sim

C++

Python

Camera-based object detection

SST

TTS

Job description

Please note: this 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. You will bridge 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 months contractor role.

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.

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.

Desired Additional Skills:

• 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 (Robot Operating System) 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).

At the conclusion of the engagement, the contractor will deliver:

• 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.

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, swag, and the occasional airship ride
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

$60 - $85 an hour

LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

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.

LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

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.