Software Engineer Principal I (Robotics)

Genie; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 156,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k matching

Tuition reimbursement

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Redmond is seeking a skilled Principal Robotics Engineer to join the software controls systems team. The role involves designing advanced control systems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and mentoring other engineers. Required qualifications include a Bachelor's in a relevant field and proficiency in control theory and ROS2. The estimated salary ranges from $156k to $190k, with a comprehensive benefits package included.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of classical and modern control theory, including vehicle kinematics and dynamics.
• Proven experience with ROS2, particularly ros2_control, hardware interfaces, and node lifecycle management.
• Strong real-time C++ skills (C++20/23) for constrained embedded environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of the complete vehicle architecture.
• Implement ros2_control hardware interfaces.
• Design and tune closed-loop control algorithms.
• Select and integrate sensors including IMUs, encoders, LiDAR, and GPS.
• Model and control complex hydraulic systems.

Skills

Control Theory Expertise

ROS2 Mastery

C/C++ Proficiency

Vehicle Architecture Experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics

Tools

ROS2

CAN bus

I2C

SPI

Job description

Join our team at Genie and embark on an exciting opportunity as we seek a skilled and dedicated principal robotics engineer to contribute to the software controls systems team.

At Genie we believe in fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every person is empowered to thrive. We’re dedicated to driving quality, innovation, embracing diversity, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We’re committed to excellence in everything we do, and we’re seeking talented individuals who share our passion and values to join our team.

As a Software Engineer Principal I, you will be a technical leader responsible for designing and implementing advanced control systems for Genie’s equipment. You will collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to architect scalable, real-time solutions for industrial applications. This is an individual contributor role with broad technical influence and mentorship responsibilities, requiring deep expertise in robotics, control theory, and embedded systems.

What you\'ll do

Architect the Vehicle Control System

• Lead the design of the complete vehicle architecture.
• Decide what logic runs on the central high-performance embedded computer running Linux versus what is offloaded to distributed real-time microcontrollers.

ROS2 Control Implementation

• Implement ros2_control hardware interfaces that abstract complex custom hardware into standard interfaces.
• Develop firmware and drivers to interface ROS2 with low-level custom hardware boards via:
• CAN-FD (J1939 / CANopen)
• I2C
• SPI
• UART

Algorithm Design

• Design and tune closed-loop control algorithms (PID, MPC, LQR) to manage vehicle dynamics.
• Actuate multi-DOF systems with precision and implement controllers within ROS2.

Hardware Interface, Sensor Fusion & Instrumentation

• Select and integrate sensors including IMUs, encoders, LiDAR, GPS, and pressure transducers.
• Create accurate vehicle state estimates through sensor fusion.

Hydraulic Systems Control

• Model and control complex non-linear hydraulic systems (valves, pumps, cylinders).
• Convert digital control commands into fluid power actions.
• Act as the subject matter expert in control theory and robotics.
• Bridge knowledge gaps across embedded and application software teams.

What you\'ll bring

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor\'s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or similar field
• Control Theory Expertise: Deep understanding of classical and modern control theory, including vehicle kinematics and dynamics.
• ROS2 Mastery: Proven experience with ROS2, particularly ros2_control, hardware interfaces, and node lifecycle management.
• Vehicle Architecture Experience: Experience designing distributed control architectures for mobile robots, automotive systems, or heavy machinery.
• Embedded Protocols: Hands-on experience with:
• CAN bus (J1939 or CANopen)
• I2C
• SPI
• RS485
• C/C++ Proficiency: Strong real-time C++ skills (C++20/23) for constrained embedded environments.

Preferred Qualifications (Highly Desirable)

• Education: MS in Robotics or 8 years of relevant experience
• Hydraulics Experience: Electro-hydraulic control experience in heavy machinery, agriculture, or construction equipment.
• Safety-Critical Systems: Knowledge of functional safety standards or safety-critical RTOS implementations.
• Simulation: Experience with URDF and simulators such as Gazebo or Isaac Sim.
• Microcontrollers: Experience with real-time microcontrollers and application processors, including Yocto Linux.

Salary

The salary for this role is $156k - 190k. The salary range will vary based on relevant experience. All eligible Team Members will be offered health insurance (medical, dental, vision, Rx), life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), short-term and long-term disability, extended leave options, paid time off, company holidays, 401k matching, employee stock purchase plan, legal assistance, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement and discount programs.