Software Engineer/ Senior Software Engineer, Robotics - NREC

Carnegie-Mellon-University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Life insurance

Bus pass

Family concierge

Fitness center

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) in Pittsburgh invites applications for a staff engineer to develop real-time robotics software. The role bridges research and production, focusing on perception, planning, and control across logistics, manufacturing, and automated science domains.

You will work with world-class robotics professionals, contribute to ROS2/MoveIt workflows, and help deploy robust, production-ready systems while advancing hands-on development

Qualifications

• ,

Responsibilities

• Hands-on real-time SW development: Design, write, and maintain high-performance, robust code.
• Systematic Performance Maturation: Profile, benchmark, and optimize system performance.
• Simulation & Testbed Generation: Build high-fidelity synthetic data and testbeds for validation.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work with hardware and systems engineers to translate requirements into software.
• System Integration & Testing: Ensure interoperability between software components and hardware.
• Iterative Design & Code Quality: Participate in code reviews, documentation, and CI/CD.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Software engineering

Cross-functional teamwork

ROS2/MoveIt

Embedded systems

AI tools

Education

B.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics

Tools

Gazebo

Isaac Sim

MuJoCo

MoveIt

ROS2

Job description

Job Overview

At the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), it is our engineers and technicians who drive the breakthroughs that define our success. The members of our technical staff collaborate closely with leadership and multidisciplinary teams to design, build, and deploy sophisticated robotic solutions that address complex challenges in industrial, commercial and government sectors. Each project benefits from their expertise, creativity, and hands‑on problem‑solving, fueling progress and innovation across the organization. As part of our dedicated team, you will work alongside world‑class robotics professionals committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and redefining ideas into solutions for real‑world applications. We foster a culture of professionalism, respect, and collaboration, offering a flexible and encouraging environment where you can sharpen your skills, lead impactful projects, and take control of your career development. We are seeking a motivated roboticist to help develop and deploy the next generation of mobile manipulation systems for real‑world applications. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced and innovative setting. In this role, you will bridge research and industry by transforming advanced robotic concepts into robust, production‑ready technologies, ensuring our team delivers exceptional and ground breaking results. The work emphasizes hands‑on development, integration, and deployment of systems that combine perception, planning, and control to address impactful challenges in areas including logistics, manufacturing, and automated science. If you are passionate about building real robots that make a measurable difference in the world, we would love to hear from you.

Your primary responsibilities are to:

• Hands‑on real‑time SW development: Design, write, and maintain clean, high‑performance, and robust code to advance and mature our software stack in robotic applications.
• Systematic Performance Maturation: Drive the iterative software lifecycle by conducting systematic analysis, profiling, and benchmarking to identify bottlenecks and optimize system performance.
• Simulation & Testbed Generation: Leverage advanced simulation tools to generate high‑fidelity synthetic data and architect complex testbed scenarios for software validation.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Thrive in a multidisciplinary environment, working closely with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and domain experts to translate complex physical requirements into scalable software solutions.
• System Integration & Testing: Actively participate in hands‑on integration work, ensuring seamless interoperability between software components and hardware systems.
• Iterative Design & Code Quality: Participate in rigorous code reviews, documentation, and continuous integration (CI/CD) practices to maintain high engineering standards across the existing codebase.

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or equivalent experience.
• 1 - 5 years of professional or research experience in software development, systems integration, or robotics. (Leveling and title will be determined based on depth of experience: 1–3 years for Software Engineer / 3–5+ years for Senior).
• Demonstrated understanding and basic use of software engineering concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Proficient C++ skills.
• Solid technical communication skills, demonstrated success working as part of a cross‑functional team.
• Experience with Python for quick prototyping of applications.
• Linux development experience.
• Effective organizational, planning, and analytical skills.
• Ability to effectively interact with a multifaceted population of internal and external partners.
• Ability to work on multiple projects at the same time.

We especially want to hear from you if you have experience or qualifications in any of the following areas:

• Experience with ROS2/Move-it middleware and development frameworks.
• Experience with robot manipulators kinematic analysis and trajectory optimizations to maximize operational throughput and efficiency.
• Advance use of simulation environments such as Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or MuJoCo for robotic applications development and testing.
• Experience with robust fleet communication protocols, multi‑robot behavior, motion planning and coordination to design efficient and robust dispatching systems.
• Real‑world deployment, systems engineering.
• Embedded systems or real time application development.
• Proficiency leveraging AI tools to develop robust software solutions.

Other Requirements:

• Successful pre‑employment background check.
• This position will require work on a variety of projects, including projects that involve military/defense applications and/or are funded by military/defense sponsors.

Are you interested in joining our versatile team at NREC where you will have a direct impact on operations and meaningful projects? Join a collaborative environment where your hands‑on skills, leadership, and mentorship will directly influence operations and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Why NREC?

At NREC, you will shape the robotics revolution by tackling real‑world challenges in agriculture, manufacturing, defense, energy, and much more. You will work alongside top robotics experts, develop ground‑breaking technologies, and see your solutions deployed in the field.

NREC at a Glance:

• Located in Pittsburgh or “Roboburgh”, a hub for over 120+ robotics companies.
• 30+ years of pioneering robotics research.
• 150+ professionals driving innovation and real‑world impact.
• Part of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute, a global leader in robotics.
• NREC also leads in educational outreach through its Robotics Academy, which develops curricula and software for K–12 and college‑level students.
• You will also have opportunities to engage with these student groups through outreach activities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits, paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs.
• Fitness center access.

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page. At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Job Details

• Location: Pittsburgh, PA
• Job Function: Software/Applications Development/Engineering
• Position Type: Staff – Regular
• Full Time/Part time: Full time
• Pay Basis: Salary

More Information: Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. Statement of Assurance. Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts through your candidate profile. If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions – it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues – and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters. We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni. The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what’s next.

For technical assistance, email HR Services or call 412-268-4600. We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 412-268-5072. Prospective Employee Disclosures