Senior Robotics Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in robotics is seeking a Senior Robotics Engineer to lead the development of next-generation Autonomous Security Robots. The role involves architecture, algorithm development, and team leadership, requiring a Master's degree and extensive experience in robotics and software development. Join a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing security through innovative technology.

Qualifications

• 5 years as a Robotics Engineer or similar, with at least 2 years hands-on with ROS2 and Python/C++.
• Proficiency in modern development workflows: Git, Agile/Scrum.
• 3+ years developing autonomous mobile robots or safety-critical embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and algorithm development for autonomous security robots.
• Implement perception and sensor fusion using 3D LiDAR and radar.
• Mentor a sub-team of robotics engineers and conduct design reviews.

Skills

Robotics

Algorithm Development

C++

Python

ROS2

Cybersecurity

Leadership

Education

Master’s in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

ROS2

Docker

TensorFlow Lite

Gazebo

Git

Job description

Job Description

Location: Sunnyvale, CA (Fully On-site)

About Knightscope

Knightscope designs and operates Autonomous Security Robots (ASRs) that safeguard people and property around the clock. Our fleet of ASRs combines robotics, edge AI, and cloud services to deliver actionable, real-time intelligence to clients nationwide.

Position Summary

The Senior Robotics Engineer leads architecture, algorithm development, and fleet-level deployment of next-generation ASR capabilities. You will own ROS2-based perception, localization, planning, and cloud-connectivity pipelines, guiding a multidisciplinary team to deliver reliable, scalable, and secure autonomy.

Key Responsibilities

1. System Architecture & Design – Specify end-to-end hardware-software-cloud architectures that meet functional, safety, and regulatory objectives.
2. Algorithm R&D → Production – Prototype in Autoware/Gazebo/Ignition or Webots simulators, validate on physical robots, and transition to production-quality C++/Python within ROS2 (Foxy/Humble/Iron).
3. Perception & Sensor Fusion – Implement 3D LiDAR, RGB-D, radar, and IMU fusion; develop SLAM, localization, and multi-modal detection (YOLO, DeepSORT, pose-estimation).
4. Planning & Control – Deploy Nav2 and MoveIt2 pipelines, real-time trajectory planning, and behavior trees for autonomous patrol, docking, and fail-safe recovery.
5. Edge AI & Analytics – Integrate TensorFlow Lite / ONNX Runtime-based inference, anomaly detection, and continual learning workflows.
6. DevOps & Fleet Management – Own CI/CD (GitHub Actions, Jenkins), containerization (Docker, MicroK8s), over-the-air (OTA) updates, and telemetry dashboards (Prometheus/Grafana).
7. Cybersecurity & Compliance – Champion secure-by-design practices (TLS, secure boot, SBOM) and contribute to safety standards (UL4600, ISO10218, IEC61508).
8. Leadership – Mentor and task a sub-team of robotics engineers; conduct design reviews, code reviews, and career development sessions.
9. Rapid Troubleshooting – Analyze fleet logs and on-site issues to restore functionality and incorporate feedback into the platform roadmap.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 5 years as a Robotics Engineer, R&D Engineer, Systems Engineer, or similar, including at least 2 years hands-on with ROS2 and Python/C++. Experience may be through paid roles or internships.
• Proficiency in modern development workflows: Git, Agile/Scrum, design documentation.

Additional Qualifications

• 3+ years developing and deploying autonomous mobile robots or other safety-critical embedded systems.
• Deep expertise in motion planning, probabilistic filtering (EKF/UKF/particle), and control theory.
• Experience with real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT) or embedded RTOS; DDS tuning and QoS optimization.
• Experience with cloud robotics frameworks (AWS RoboMaker, Azure Percept) and edge-to-cloud communication (DDS, MQTT, ROS2 bridge).
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and compliance frameworks (NIST, FedRAMP).
• Demonstrated leadership of small engineering teams.

Technologies You Will Use

• Middleware: ROS2, micro-ROS, DDS (Fast DDS, Cyclone), Nav2, MoveIt2
• Programming: C++17/20, Python3, Bash
• Sensors: 3D/2D LiDAR, ToF, RGB-D, mmWave radar, wheel odometry, IMU
• Simulation/CI: Autoware, Gazebo, Ignition, Webots, GitHub Actions, Jenkins
• DevOps/Cloud: Docker, Kubernetes/MicroK8s, AWS RoboMaker, Grafana/Prometheus, MQTT, OTA frameworks
• AI/ML: TensorFlow Lite, ONNX Runtime, PyTorch, YOLOv7, Edge TPU/NVIDIA Jetson

Physical & Other Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and work in warehouse and outdoor test environments.
• Occasional (<20%) travel to client sites, production facilities, and trade shows.

Knightscope is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.