Staff Software Engineer, Hardware Interface

Agility Robotics; Fremont (CA); Hybrid; USD 230,000 - 299,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Match

Equity

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Unlimited PTO

Paid Holidays

Relocation Assistance

Annual Discretionary Bonus

Job summary

Agility Robotics is seeking a senior software engineer to own low-level C++ capabilities powering our humanoid robots. You will drive architecture for hardware interface software, working with electrical, mechanical, and software teams to deliver robust, production-ready systems.

The role requires an MS in robotics/CS/EE and 8+ years of experience, deep Linux proficiency, and strong hardware-in-the-loop debugging skills. This hybrid role is based in Fremont, CA with relocation support.

Qualifications

• MS in robotics, computer science, electrical engineering, or related field with 8+ years of industry experience.
• Strong expertise writing modern C++ (17, 20) for complex, performance-sensitive systems.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver large-scale software systems with hardware/software integration complexity.
• Deep understanding of software engineering best practices for 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 problems with electro-mechanical systems.
• Experience with automation fieldbuses like EtherCAT, CAN, Profinet (EtherCAT desirable).
• Ability to lead technical discussions and influence engineering decisions.
• Authorization to work in the USA.

Responsibilities

• Own the design, development, and evolution of C++ software components powering our robots.
• Drive technical direction and architecture for hardware interface software.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to solve integration challenges across software, electrical, mechanical, and robotic systems.
• Debug cross-domain problems and establish diagnostics, observability, and failure handling practices.
• Integrate diverse computing systems via WiFi, networking, serial, and fieldbus interfaces.
• Write performant, well-tested, maintainable C++ code and provide mentorship to engineers.

Skills

Modern C++ (17/20)

Linux systems

Hardware/software integration

Diagnostics & debugging

Team leadership

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

MS in Robotics/CS/EE

Job description

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.