Robotics Software Engineer – Robotics Startup
New York, NY (Onsite) | $175–250k + 0.5–1.25% Equity

Overview
A pioneering robotics company based in New York is looking for a Robotics Software Engineer to join their onsite team. This startup is developing highly flexible, general-purpose robotic systems powered by cutting-edge AI. Their systems are already deployed with real customers, generating both revenue and valuable data.

Rather than building humanoids or speculative prototypes, this company focuses on practical, AI-enabled robots that can be installed in hours and rapidly trained to perform real-world tasks, such as packing and fulfilment in ecommerce environments. Think real-time teleoperation, physical AI, and scalable automation designed for immediate ROI.

Backed by a strong founding team and early stage investment, the company is now scaling up deployments and expanding its technical team. This is an opportunity to work across the entire robotics stack and help shape the future of real-world automation.

Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will play a hands-on role in the development, integration, and deployment of next-gen robotic systems. Responsibilities include:

• Designing low-level control loops and IK solvers for robotic arms
• Building interfaces for both teleoperation and machine learning-based control
• Developing near-zero latency teleoperation systems, including real-time video and data streaming
• Writing clean, production-grade Python code and also using PyTorch, C++ & ROS2
• Integrating a range of sensors, effectors, and motion systems
• Running high-fidelity simulations (MuJoCo, Isaac) to support development and testing
• Evaluating hardware options and working with vendors to source components
• Supporting on-site installations with clients (some travel involved, ~1x/month)

Ideal Candidate Profile
This role is well-suited for a generalist robotics engineer who is passionate about deploying real robots in real environments. The ideal candidate will thrive in a high-autonomy, fast-paced environment and have experience building systems from the ground up.

Key requirements:

• Strong software engineering fundamentals; experience delivering production-quality code
• Proficiency with Python, PyTorch, C++, and ROS2
• Experience with simulation tools like MuJoCo or Isaac
• Exposure to low-latency systems, real-time control, and teleoperation
• Hardware integration experience: selecting, evaluating, and interfacing with robotic components
• Strong intuition for physical systems and robotics hardware
• High agency, low ego, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving

Bonus experience:

• Background in MechE or EE, including PCB design and CAD
• Familiarity with microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
• Awareness of recent robotics research or publications

Why This Opportunity?
This is not a research lab. The company is already shipping robots and scaling fast. Engineers here work on systems that are used daily by real customers, generating value and shaping the roadmap for physical AI. The role offers strong compensation, early-stage equity, and the chance to help build something genuinely impactful from the ground up.

For engineers who’ve owned outcomes and delivered systems from concept to deployment, this is a unique opportunity to do it again - on a bigger stage.

Interested?
I’m currently representing the team and would be happy to share more details confidentially. Please reach out to arrange a conversation.