Robotics Software Engineering Co-op (Spring 2027)

Whelix; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Whelix, a Boston-based robotics startup, is seeking a Robotics Software Engineering Co-op for Spring 2027 to design, build and test the software that runs our robots in lab settings. The role focuses on motion control, motion planning, computer vision and ROS 2, with hands-on work in Python and C++ on real hardware.

The intern will work on integration with mechanical and electrical teams, contribute to debugging and documentation, and gain experience deploying software in a fast-paced startup in

Qualifications

• Strong programming skills in Python and C++, with experience in ROS 2.
• Familiarity with Linux environments, Git workflows and containerization (Docker).
• Hands-on robotics experience or internships in automated lab systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and test software that runs our robots, including motion control and motion planning.
• Develop computer vision integration and system integration with mechanical/electrical teams.
• Implement and debug features in C++, Python and ROS 2, in simulation and on hardware.
• Help deploy software in lab environments and contribute to documentation and debugging.
• Collaborate with team to ensure reliability and repeatability of robotic workflows.

Skills

Python

C++

ROS 2

Linux

Git

Docker

Robotics

Motion planning

Education

BS/MS/PhD candidate in CS/ME/EE/Aerospace/Robotics

Tools

PyBullet

MuJoCo

Gazebo

Job description

Robotics Software Engineering Co-op (Spring 2027)

Whelix builds AI-native robots that automate wet lab work, starting with cell culture. We are a Boston-based startup deploying into pharma and biotech today. We are seeking a Robotics Software Engineering Co-op for Spring 2027 to help design, build and test the software that runs our robots. The co-op is full-time and on-site in Boston, MA, from January 4 to July 2, 2027, reporting to the CTO. Pay is $3,500 to $4,500 per month.

About WhelixWhelix builds intelligent robots that automate wet lab work, starting with cell culture, for biotech and pharmaceutical research. By integrating AI agents with proprietary engineered robotics, our systems eliminate repetitive, error-prone workflows, freeing scientists to focus on discovery while increasing experimental throughput, reproducibility, and scientific impact. Based in Boston, Whelix is deploying systems into pharmaceutical, biotech and academic labs today and actively scaling up production to serve more customers.

DescriptionRole OverviewAs a Robotics Software Engineering Co-op, you will help design, build and test the software that runs our robots, including motion control, motion planning, computer vision and system integration. You will help turn lab workflows into reliable, automated robot behavior that works with standard lab tools. This is a hands-on, on-site role in Boston, reporting to the CTO.

What you'll do

• Build and test robot behaviors that handle standard lab tools and consumables reliably
• Develop motion planning and control for precise moves in tight, constrained workspaces
• Apply computer vision so the robot can find, verify and interact with lab consumables and equipment
• Implement and debug features in C++, Python and ROS 2, in simulation and on real hardware
• Integrate and test software with our mechanical and electrical engineers, and support deployment in the lab
• Document your work, run root-cause analyses and keep our Git repositories clean

Nice to have

• Pursuing a BS, MS or PhD in CS, ME, EE, Aerospace, Robotics or a related field
• Proficiency in Python and modern C++, with familiarity with ROS/ROS 2
• Experience with a robotics simulator (e.g., PyBullet, MuJoCo, Gazebo)
• Comfortable on Linux, with Git and Docker
• Hands-on experience with real robots (arms, gantries, actuators)
• Adaptable, hands-on and excited by a fast-paced startup