Staff Software Engineer, Hardware Interface

Agility Robotics; Fremont (CA); Hybrid; CAD 322,000 - 419,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Equity options

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Parental leave

Relocation assistance

Annual bonus

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Agility Robotics is building the future of work with humanoid robots designed to operate in human environments. In this role you will own and drive the development of critical low-level software capabilities that power our robots, improving robustness, diagnostics, safety, and scalability of our systems.

You will lead the design and implementation of C++ software, interface with hardware drivers, and collaborate across hardware, electrical, and software teams to bring prototypes toward

Qualifications

• MS in robotics, CS, EE, or related field with 8+ years of experience.
• Strong expertise in modern C++ (C++17/20) for performance-sensitive systems.
• Experience designing large-scale software with hardware–software integration.
• Proficient with Linux systems and hardware-in-the-loop software.
• Experience with fieldbuses such as EtherCAT, CAN, Profinet (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Own design, development, and evolution of C++ software powering robots.
• Drive architecture for hardware interface software ensuring performance & reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams across software, electrical, mechanical and robotics.
• Debug cross-domain problems and improve diagnostics, observability, and failure handling.
• Integrate diverse computing systems via WiFi, networking, serial, and fieldbus.
• Write performant, well-tested, maintainable, and well-documented C++ code.
• Mentor engineers and raise the engineering bar across the team.

Skills

C++ (modern)

Linux

Embedded systems

HWIL debugging

Hardware interface

Team leadership

Robotics software

Education

MS in robotics

Electrical engineering

Computer science

Job description

Agility's commercially deployed humanoids operate alongside teams in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers—tackling physically demanding and repetitive tasks while enabling workers to focus on higher-value work. With industry-leading safety standards and years of proven deployment data, we're pioneering a new era of automation that enhances human potential.

About The Role

Agility Robotics is building the future of work through humanoid robots that operate in human environments. In this position, you will own and drive the development of critical low-level software capabilities that power our state-of-the-art humanoid robots, improving the robustness, diagnostics, safety, and scalability of our systems. You will help define technical direction, architect solutions across hardware and software boundaries, and partner closely with cross-functional teams to bring new robotic capabilities from early prototypes into reliable, production-ready systems.

You will also be on the front line of robot development, building up brand-new prototypes and leading complex technical efforts that transform piles of parts into functional, testable systems.

About The Work

• Own the design, development, and evolution of C++ software components that power our robots, interfacing with OS drivers and hardware to enable high-bandwidth, low-latency control
• Drive technical direction and architecture decisions for hardware interface software, balancing performance, reliability, maintainability, and scalability
• Work with cross-disciplinary teams to solve complex problems involving the integration of software, electrical, mechanical, and robotic systems
• Debug complex cross-domain problems and establish best practices for diagnostics, observability, and failure handling
• Integrate diverse computing systems through a variety of communication media, such as WiFi, networking, serial, and industrial fieldbus
• Write performant, well‑tested, maintainable, and well‑documented C++ software
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to other engineers while raising the engineering bar across the team

About You

• MS in robotics, computer science, electrical engineering, or related field with 8+ years of industry experience (or equivalent experience)
• Strong expertise writing modern C++ (17, 20) for complex, performance-sensitive systems
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver large‑scale software systems with significant hardware‑software integration complexity
• Deep understanding of software engineering best practices for writing performant, maintainable, and reliable production systems
• Proficient in using and programming for recent Linux systems
• Extensive experience writing and debugging software for hardware‑in‑the‑loop systems
• Experience debugging cross-domain (i.e. electrical, mechanical, and software) problems with electro‑mechanical systems
• Experience with implementation of automation fieldbuses such as EtherCAT, CAN, Profinet, etc. (EtherCAT is highly desirable)
• Ability to lead technical discussions, influence engineering decisions, and communicate effectively across disciplines
• Authorization to work in the USA

Bonus Points

• Experience developing real‑time or low‑latency systems
• Experience writing C++ code for embedded systems
• Experience with electronic circuit debugging tools (e.g. multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers)
• Knowledge of brushless electric motors and motor control
• Knowledge of networking protocols and network configuration in a Linux environment (i.e. systemd / network)
• Experience with Python 3.6+
• Familiarity with standard agile and software development processes (issue tracking tools (Jira), feature branching, version control (Git), continuous integration and deployment)

This a hybrid position based out of one of our Fremont, CA office.

The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to: job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Agility Robotics is a multi-state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions who work in other locations. These ranges may be modified in the future.

Anticipated Base Salary Range

$230,000—$299,000 USD

In addition to base pay, our competitive total rewards package consists of the following for full‑time employees:

• 401(k) Plan: Includes a 6% company match.
• Equity: Company stock options.
• Insurance Coverage: 100% company‑paid medical, dental, vision, and short/long‑term disability insurance for employees.
• Benefit Start Date: Eligible for benefits on your first day of employment.
• Well-Being Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Time Off
  • Exempt Employees: Flexible, unlimited PTO and 12 company holidays, including a winter shutdown.
  • Non‑Exempt Employees: 10 vacation days, paid sick leave, and 12 company holidays, including a winter shutdown, annually.
• On‑Site Perks: Catered lunches four times a week and a variety of healthy snacks and refreshments at our Salem and Pittsburgh locations.
• Parental Leave: Generous paid parental leave programs.
• Work Environment: A culture that supports flexible work arrangements.
• Growth Opportunities: Professional development and tuition reimbursement programs.
• Relocation Assistance: Provided for eligible roles.
• Annual Discretionary Bonus: Provided for eligible roles.

All of our roles are U.S.-based. Applicants must have current authorization to work in the United States.

Agility Robotics is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal employment opportunities and prohibits unlawful discriminatory practices, including harassment. Therefore, it is the policy of Agility Robotics to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Agility Robotics prohibits any such discrimination or harassment.