Software Lead, Robotics Engineering

Wonder; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 208,500 - 216,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

401K

Medical/Dental/Vision

Job summary

Wonder is recruiting a founding Software Engineer Tech Lead to architect, build, and lead an early robotics R&D project in Boston. You will be the foundational engineer on a greenfield initiative, partnering with mechanical and electrical engineers to bring cutting-edge tech to life.

You’ll be hands-on in Python and PLC, spanning multiple stack layers, and evolve into the software team lead within the first year, guiding execution without formal line management.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of software engineering in robotics, IoT or hardware-adjacent environments.
• Strong proficiency in Python; familiarity with multiple languages.
• Willingness to learn PLC programming and work across the stack.

Responsibilities

• Own and build the core software foundation for a brand‑new robotics product.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to integrate hardware and software.
• Rapid prototyping with clean, adaptable code to prove product viability.
• Serve as the technical glue across the stack to unblock development and solve complex problems.
• Lead software team over time, mentoring engineers and driving execution.

Skills

Python

Robotics experience

IoT hardware

JavaScript/Elixir exposure

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

PLC (Structured Text)

Elixir

JavaScript

Job description

Within Wonder, the Robotics team is a core pillar of our innovation strategy. We build the automation solutions that help make Wonder’s 'no-compromise' promise possible at scale. Our mission is to use robotics to enable incredible variety and culinary authenticity. By reimagining the kitchen environment, we improve the daily experience of our team members and ensure every customer receives a perfect meal, every time.

The best in the business are coming to Wonder, working every day to make us the destination for every mealtime moment. Join a team of technology, culinary, and logistics pioneers, backed by top-tier venture capitalists, and help us make great food more accessible.

About the Opportunity

We’re looking for a founding Software Engineer Tech Lead (Sr. Manager) to architect, build, and lead a brand-new, early stage Robotics R&D project. In this role, you will be the foundational engineer on a greenfield initiative, working directly alongside mechanical engineers, electrical engineers and product teams to bring cutting‑edge technology to life.

As a leader, your role will evolve dynamically. You will be a powerhouse individual contributor—getting hands on in code, building prototypes and establishing software foundations. On a day‑to‑day basis, you will spend most of your time working in Python and PLC. We want an engineer who is genuinely excited to jump across different layers of the tech stack and pick up new tools as needed to solve the problem at hand, rather than just sticking to what they know today.

The Impact You Will Make

• Foundational Architecture: Own and build the core software foundation for a brand‑new robotics product from the ground up, utilizing internal technology and patterns already in place with our other product lines.
• Hardware‑Software Integration: Collaborate seamlessly with mechanical and electrical engineers to bridge the physical and digital divide, translating physical mechanisms into robust software controls.
• Rapid Prototyping: Accelerate early‑stage R&D by quickly iterating on concepts, writing clean but highly adaptable code to prove out product viability.
• Full‑Stack Problem Solving: Serve as the technical glue for the project, jumping across different layers of the stack to unblock development and solve complex product challenges.
• Technical Leadership: Eventually transition into the day‑to‑day lead for the software team within the first year—guiding execution, mentoring domain‑expert engineers and driving the project forward without the overhead of formal line management.

What You Bring To The Table

• 5–10 years of software engineering experience, with a proven track record of working in robotics, IoT or hardware‑adjacent environments.
• Strong proficiency in Python, and experience with at least a few other languages.
• Experience with PLC (Structured Text) is a huge plus, but we are completely open to training the right engineer if you are highly motivated and excited to learn PLC programming on the job.
• A desire and willingness to jump around different parts of the stack to unblock the team. While we have domain experts in JavaScript and Elixir to support you, you aren’t afraid to dive into unfamiliar codebases to solve a product problem.
• Previous experience as a tech lead or senior engineer, with a proven ability to define a technical vision, mentor engineers and drive day‑to‑day project execution.
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field.

This role requires a minimum of 4 days a week in the office, with additional days as needed based on project demands.

This role is based in our Boston office in Charlestown, MA.

Massachusetts: $208,500 - $216,500 per year.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary package including equity and 401K. Additionally, we provide multiple medical, dental and vision plans to meet all of our employees' needs as well as many benefits and perks that are not listed.

A Final Note

At Wonder, we build the best teams by hiring with an objective lens—evaluating people for their potential while championing diversity, equity and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, marital status, disability or any other protected class. As part of our commitment to fair and compliant hiring practices, Wonder participates in the federal government’s E‑Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If you need an accommodation during the interview process, please let your recruiter know.

We look forward to hearing from you! We’ll contact you via email or text to schedule interviews and share information about your candidacy.