Robotics Software Internship, Manipulation

Persona AI, Inc.; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentor program

Hands-on projects

Intern cohorts

Learning lunches

Job summary

Persona AI is seeking a Robotics Software intern to contribute to dexterous manipulation work on humanoid robots. You will work closely with senior engineers in a fast-paced startup environment in Houston.

The role covers perception, planning, control, and integration with the whole-body controller, and offers hands-on experience with MuJoCo/Isaac Sim simulations and real-world testing.

You will build skills in C++, Python, ROS, MoveIt!, and learning-based methods while pursuing a degree.

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS/MS/PhD in Robotics or related field.
• Experience with control and manipulation of robotic arms.
• Proficiency in C++ or Python.
• Exposure to ROS, MoveIt!, Drake, OpenRAVE.
• Familiarity with deep learning and vision basics.
• Project or coursework in manipulation tasks.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement dexterous manipulation algorithms for humanoid robots.
• Contribute to the manipulation pipeline (perception, grasping, trajectory optimization, motion planning, and control).
• Support the implementation and testing of control strategies for dexterous manipulation.
• Assist with integrating manipulation components into the humanoid robot's whole-body controller and loco-manipulation efforts.
• Build and iterate on digital-twin simulation environments using MuJoCo and Isaac Sim.
• Run and help design tests in simulated and real-world environments, and analyze results.
• Partner with the machine learning team to train and deploy models for advanced manipulation tasks.
• Stay current on manipulation research and bring relevant ideas back to the team.

Skills

C++

Python

Motion planning

Control theory

Machine learning basics

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, CS, ME, EE, or related field

Tools

ROS

MoveIt!

Drake

OpenRAVE

Job description

Job Title: Robotics Software Internship, Manipulation

Department: Software Engineering

Reports To: Manipulation Lead

Employment Type: Internship

Location: Houston, Texas – Required (on-site)

Who We Are

Persona AI is building humanoid robots for the most demanding environments in heavy industry — shipyards, steel mills, fabrication facilities, and offshore platforms — performing welding, grinding, maintenance, inspection, and material‑handling work that is dangerous, physically demanding, and increasingly difficult to staff.

We are backed by leading strategic and financial investors and engaged with global industrial leaders across Korea, Japan, the United States, and Singapore. Korea is the center of gravity for our early commercial strategy, anchored by relationships with the world’s leading shipbuilders and steelmakers. Our work spans both the robot platform itself and the systems, partners, and playbooks required to deploy it at scale.

Your Role:

• Help design and implement dexterous manipulation algorithms for humanoid robots with high-DOF, multi-fingered hands, working closely with senior engineers.

• Contribute to the manipulation pipeline (perception, grasping, trajectory optimization, motion planning, and control) on tasks like precise grasping, dual-arm manipulation, and in-hand object manipulation.

• Support the implementation and testing of control strategies for dexterous manipulation, including force/motion control and visual/tactile servoing.

• Assist with integrating manipulation components into the humanoid robot's whole-body controller and loco-manipulation efforts.

• Build and iterate on digital-twin simulation environments for algorithm development using simulators such as MuJoCo and Isaac Sim.

• Run and help design tests in both simulated and real-world environments, and help analyze the results.

• Partner with the machine learning team to help train and deploy models for advanced manipulation tasks.

• Stay current on manipulation research and bring relevant ideas, traditional and deep learning-based, back to the team.

We're Looking For:

• Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Coursework, lab research, or project experience (capstone projects, robotics competitions, personal projects) involving control and manipulation of robotic or humanoid arms.

• Foundational knowledge of motion planning, control theory, and optimization.

• Programming proficiency in C++ and/or Python.

• Exposure to relevant robotics libraries or tools (e.g., ROS, MoveIt!, Drake, OpenRAVE) through coursework or projects.

• Familiarity with deep learning fundamentals as applied to robotics or manipulation.

• Some exposure to computer vision concepts, such as sensors, point clouds, segmentation, and object detection, through coursework or projects.

• A strong desire to learn quickly and contribute in a fast-paced startup environment.

Preferred or Bonus Qualifications:

• Project or research experience with contact modeling, force/torque estimation, or tactile sensing for dexterous tasks.

• Exposure to machine learning for dexterous manipulation, such as learning-based grasp strategies, behavior cloning, or reinforcement learning.

• Published research related to manipulation.

• Prior internship or hands‑on experience in a robotics, autonomy, or hardware startup environment.

Our Internship Program

At Persona AI, our internship program gives you direct, hands‑on experience building cutting‑edge humanoid robotics alongside industry experts. We offer full‑time term opportunities across three upcoming cohorts:

• Fall 2026: August – December

• Spring 2027: January – May

• Summer 2027: May – August

As an intern, you’ll be paired 1:1 with a senior engineer mentor to accelerate your growth and guide your technical contributions. You will bond with your cohort through intern group lunches, gain cross‑functional perspective during company‑wide learning lunches, and unwind with fun team activities throughout the term. Whether you're working on advanced motion planning or real‑world system testing, you'll tackle meaningful engineering challenges while immersing yourself in our collaborative startup culture.

Application Review Process

We evaluate applications as they are received rather than waiting for the posted deadline to pass. Positions for each cohort are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and the portal will close as soon as all available roles are finalized.

To give yourself the best chance of securing a spot, keep these tips in mind:

• Apply Early: Submitting your resume as soon as possible ensures your materials are reviewed before interview slots fill up.

• Cohort Availability: Popular terms—especially Summer 2027—tend to reach capacity quickly.

• Rolling Interviews: Interviews and candidate evaluations begin immediately upon application receipt.

Persona AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.