Sr. AI Robotics Engineer

Janicki; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401k with employer matching

Paid time off and holidays

Premium pay for off shifts

Job summary

Janicki Industries is seeking a Sr. AI Robotics Engineer to join our on-site team in Bellingham, WA. You will design, develop, and deploy AI-enhanced robotic systems for complex manufacturing tasks, mentoring engineers and collaborating with ME, EE, and manufacturing teams.

The role emphasizes hands-on development, on-floor prototyping, and rapid deployment of autonomous capabilities in aerospace-grade environments. Strong Python, AI/ML, ROS/ROS2, and robotics integration are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or closely related field from an ABET-accredited university.
• Deep hands-on experience with industrial robot programming, integration, and deployment.
• Proven track record shipping applied AI/ML solutions in real-world environments.
• Strong background in robot perception (cameras, LiDAR, structured light, force sensing).
• Expert-level Python and AI ecosystems (PyTorch/TensorFlow, OpenCV, PCL, ROS/ROS2), and modern dev-ops tooling (Git, Docker, CI/CD).
• Experience configuring Linux/Windows systems, VMs, and complex development environments.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement perception systems (2D/3D vision, point clouds, force/torque) using modern AI frameworks.
• Train, deploy, and iterate on object-detection, segmentation, pose estimation, and anomaly-detection models in real manufacturing settings.
• Apply reinforcement learning to improve robot dexterity, path planning, and error recovery.
• Integrate industrial robots with vision and AI pipelines.
• Write production-grade Python code, manage Git repositories, and containerize solutions with Docker.
• Stand up and maintain development/workstation environments (Linux/ROS/ROS2/CUDA).
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate cross-functionally with ME, EE, and manufacturing teams.
• Rapidly prototype, validate on the floor, and transition solutions to sustained operations.

Skills

Python

PyTorch/TensorFlow

OpenCV

ROS/ROS2

Git

Docker

CI/CD

robot perception

reinforcement learning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or closely related field

Tools

Fanuc/ABB/KUKA/UR robotics

CUDA

Linux/Windows

VMs

Job description

• Pay or shift range: $125,000 USD to $200,000 USD The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

Description

Janicki Industries is an innovative, family-owned aerospace company located at the foot of the Cascades. We focus on engineering and manufacturing complex projects for companies in the aerospace, defense, and space industries. We are looking for a Sr. AI Robotics Engineer to join our growing team.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This position is located on-site in Bellingham, Washington State.

Join a new, high-impact Robotics & AI team chartered with deploying next-generation intelligent automation. You will design, develop, integrate, and continuously improve AI-enhanced robotic systems (manipulators, mobile platforms, cobots) that perform manufacturing tasks and support with increasing levels of autonomy.

This is a hands-on individual contributor role with immediate leadership/mentoring responsibilities. You’ll work side-by-side with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers in a fast-moving production environment where prototypes go live on the shop floor in days or weeks—not months.

The following essential job functions are performed as an Sr. AI Robotics Engineer:

• Architect and implement perception systems (2D/3D vision, point clouds, force/torque) using modern AI frameworks
• Train, deploy, and iterate on object-detection, segmentation, pose estimation, and anomaly-detection models in real manufacturing settings
• Apply reinforcement learning and other advanced techniques to improve robot dexterity, path planning, and error recovery
• Integrate industrial robots (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots, etc.) with vision and AI pipelines
• Write robust production-grade Python code, manage repositories in Git, and containerize solutions with Docker
• Stand up and maintain development/workstation environments (Linux/Windows, ROS/ROS2, CUDA, virtual machines, etc.)
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate cross-functionally with ME, EE, and manufacturing teams
• Rapidly prototype, validate on the floor, and transition solutions to sustained operations
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of relevant engineering experience spanning robotics and AI required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or closely related field from an ABET-accredited, competitive university
• Deep hands-on experience with industrial robot programming, integration, and deployment
• Proven track record shipping applied AI/ML solutions (object detection, model training/re-training loops, reinforcement learning, etc.) in real-world environments
• Strong background in robot perception (cameras, LiDAR, structured light, force sensing)
• Expert-level Python, common AI ecosystems (PyTorch/TensorFlow, OpenCV, PCL, ROS/ROS2), and modern dev-ops tooling (Git, Docker, CI/CD)
• Comfortable installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Linux/Windows systems, VMs, and complex development environments
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and lead technically without formal authority
• Thrives in cross-disciplinary hardware + software environments
• Bias for action, fast pace, and getting results with minimal oversight
• Self-starter who can define, prioritize, and execute projects end-to-end
• Due to our ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must be a US Citizen or of Legal Permanent Resident Status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b (a) (3)
• This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). Janicki will assist with gaining this access once employed. Special Access Program or other Government Access Requirements are mandatory for this position and requires candidate agreed to enter a Continuous Evaluation program
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MS or PhD in Robotics, AI, or related field preferred
• Experience in aerospace or similarly regulated manufacturing preferred
• Previous work with Isaac Sim, MoveIt, or other advanced robotics frameworks preferred

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Salary range for this role is between$125,000 - $200,000, plus discretionary bonus, 401(k) matching, vacation, and health benefits. Employees can also receive additional pay for off shifts. The range provided is Janicki’s estimate of the base compensation for this role. Actual amount offered will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, location, education, training, skills, and abilities
• By applying for this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified, you may be contacted for this and future openings

BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
• Disability insurance as well as Life/AD&D insurance
• HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer contribution and FSA (Flexible Savings Account)
• 401k with employer matching
• Paid time off and paid holidays (including two floating holidays)
• Several shift options
• Premium pay for off shifts

Janicki Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Janicki Industries does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, veteran/military service status, or any other legally protected status. Janicki is proud to be a military friendly employer.

Applicants or employees wishing to view a copy of Janicki Industries’ Aff…

As a federal government contractor and a recipient of federal funding, Janicki is required to abide by federal drug testing requirements (including preemployment drug testing for cannabis). Additionally, because of Janicki’s work on aerospace products and the high volume of safety sensitive positions, Janicki takes the safety of its employees very seriously and requires that employees pass a preemployment drug test prior to starting employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.