Robotics Software Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

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

Job summary

Whelix, a Boston-based startup building AI-native robots for biotech research, is seeking a Robotics Software Engineering Intern for Summer 2027 to design, build and test software that runs our robots.

This full-time on-site internship in Boston, MA runs from June 7 to August 27, 2027, reports to the CTO and offers hands-on work across motion planning, vision, and integration with hardware and engineers.

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS/MS/PhD in CS, ME, EE, Aerospace, Robotics or related field.
• Proficiency in Python and C++, with ROS/ROS2 experience.
• Experience with robotics simulators (PyBullet, MuJoCo, Gazebo).
• Linux familiarity, Git and Docker experience.
• Hands-on robotics experience with real robots and lab environments.
• Willing to work on-site in Boston, MA.

Responsibilities

• Build, test and refine software that runs our robots.
• Develop motion planning and control for precise lab movements.
• Apply computer vision to locate and interact with lab materials.
• Integrate software with mechanical and electrical teams.
• Iterate in simulation and on real hardware.
• Document work and maintain clean Git repositories.

Skills

Python

C++

ROS/ROS2

Robotics simulation

Linux

Git

Docker

Hands-on robotics

On-site Boston

Education

BS in CS/ME/EE/Aerospace/Robotics or related

MS or PhD in CS/Robotics or related

Tools

PyBullet

MuJoCo

Gazebo

Job description

Robotics Software Engineering Intern (Summer 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 Intern for Summer 2027 to help design, build and test the software that runs our robots. The internship is full-time and on-site in Boston, MA, from June 7 to August 27, 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 Intern, 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

What we're looking for

• 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
• Able to work on-site in Boston, MA

Nice to have

• Computer vision or AI-based robotic control
• Exposure to biotech, lab automation or wet-lab environments
• Prior internship, co-op or research lab experience