Robotics R&D Engineer: Teleoperation & Tooling

Yondu Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Yondu builds software that turns off-the-shelf robots into autonomous warehouse labor. We’re seeking a hands-on engineer to assemble and improve tools that connect hardware, AI models, and real-world operations in Los Angeles, CA.

You will own R&D tools, from robot control and teleoperation to data annotation and prototype hardware testing, collaborating with AI and production engineers to bring experiments toward production readiness.

Qualifications

• Strong software engineering skills in Python and C++, with experience interfacing with hardware.
• Experience with robotic kinematics, coordinate frames, inverse kinematics, and motion control.
• Hands-on experience with robot arms, teleoperation, or related robotic systems.
• Experience writing and debugging CAN communication with actuators or other hardware.

Responsibilities

• Improve data annotation pipeline, including validation and labeling tools.
• Maintain and improve teleoperation software for robot control.
• Develop manipulation capabilities using inverse kinematics and motion planning.
• Test prototype hardware and CAN communication for new R&D systems.
• Make hardware changes easier with calibration tools and adapters.
• Verify task outcomes with AI team and evaluate rewards against physical results.
• Measure impact with repeatable tests isolating model, controller, and hardware changes.
• Ensure R&D work is reusable with clear interfaces and documentation.

Skills

Python

C++

Robotics

CAN bus

Tools

ROS/ROS 2

CAN bus

Robot arms control

Job description

Yondu builds software that turns off-the-shelf robots into autonomous warehouse labor. We’re seeking a hands-on engineer to assemble and improve tools that connect hardware, AI models, and real-world operations in Los Angeles, CA.

You will own R&D tools, from robot control and teleoperation to data annotation and prototype hardware testing, collaborating with AI and production engineers to bring experiments toward production readiness.