Manipulation EngineerWe're a robotics company building autonomous systems that operate in complex, dynamic environments. We're hiring a Manipulation Engineer to design, implement, and deploy manipulation algorithms for arms mounted on dynamic legged robots operating in the real world. You'll build task and motion planning, grasping, and control pipelines in real-time software, and own their performance all the way down to hardware. This role suits engineers who thrive on high-velocity problem solving, deep technical ownership, and hands-on testing and validation.This is one role, open at the Senior, Staff, or Lead level.
The responsibilities below reflect the core of the role at every level. You don't need to decide which level fits you before applying. The selected candidate will be placed at the level commensurate with the skills, scope, and experience they demonstrate through the interview process, and the offer will align with that level. Senior and Staff are individual-contributor positions.
Lead carries the same technical scope plus people-leadership responsibilities, for candidates who want them.What you'll do (all levels)Architect end-to-end manipulation frameworks, from high-level task planning down to perception and low-level joint controlDevelop trajectory planning, obstacle avoidance, and real-time motion generationImplement grasping strategies using proprioception and vision, for rigid and deformable objectsUse physics-based simulators to develop and validate manipulation policies with high-fidelity transfer to hardwareWrite clean, maintainable C++ and Python, and debug system performance across simulation, hardware experiments, and fleet dataCollaborate with mechanical, perception, embedded, and systems teams to ensure end-to-end performance and robustnessContribute to long-term architectural decisionsSenior Manipulation EngineerTypically reached with 5+ years of relevant experience, or 3+ years following a PhDOwns a defined technical area of the manipulation stack and delivers independently end to endMentors less-experienced engineersTrack record of shipping manipulation software to real hardwareStaff Manipulation EngineerTypically reached with 8+ years of relevant experienceDrives technical direction and architecture across the team's areaSets engineering standards and multiplies the output of othersDemonstrated influence beyond their own deliverables, across teams or an entire manipulation stackLead Manipulation EngineerTypically reached with 10+ years of relevant experience, including experience guiding engineersStaff-level technical scope plus people-leadership responsibilities: direct reports, hiring, performance, and team planningDemonstrated ability to grow engineers and run a healthy, productive teamRequirementsCore qualifications (all levels)A strong background in robotic manipulation, with hands-on experience on multi-DOF arms in real systems. We weigh what you've built and shipped over where your degree is from. An advanced degree in Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, CS, or a related field is one path in. Equivalent industry experience is another.Strong foundations in motion planning, control theory, optimization, and dynamical systemsDeep understanding of coordinate transformations, forward/inverse kinematics, Jacobians, and robot dynamicsExperience with motion planning tools (e.g., MoveIt, OMPL, or custom optimization-based planners)Experience with multi-body dynamics, modeling, and simulation (e.g., MuJoCo, Gazebo, Isaac, Bullet/PyBullet)Experience with ROS 2 and real-time middlewareProficiency in modern C++ (C++17/20) and PythonExperience with Unix/Linux environments and software engineering best practices (version control, CI/CD)Master's or PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.3+ years of hands-on experience in robotic manipulation, specifically with multi-DOF (Degree of Freedom) arms.Strong foundations in motion planning, control theory and optimization, along with experience in dynamical systems.Deep understanding of coordinate transformations, forward/inverse kinematics, Jacobians, and robot dynamics.Experience with motion planning software tools (e.g., MoveIt, OMPL, or custom optimization-based planners).Experience with multi-body dynamics, modeling, and simulation (e.g., MuJoCo, Gazebo, Isaac, Bullet/PyBullet).Experience with ROS 2 and real-time middleware.Proficiency in modern C++ (C++17/20) and Python for development and tooling.Experience with Unix/Linux environments and software engineering best practices (version control, CI/CD).Preferred qualificationsExperience with legged or humanoid robotsExperience applying Reinforcement Learning, Vision Language Models, or Vision-Language-Action models to robotic decision-making and task planningFamiliarity with 3D perception, point cloud processing, and vision-based feedback in manipulation loopsBackground in whole-body control frameworks (operational space control, MPC, and similar)Experience with force-feedback control or hand-eye calibrationPublications or significant open-source contributions in robotics or machine learningDemonstrated ability to lead technical efforts and mentor engineersWhat we offerWork with state-of-the-art robots in challenging real-world environmentsHands-on hardware experience alongside strong software and simulation infrastructureA collaborative, technically rigorous culture with emphasis on learning and ownershipAccess to real robots, real data, and real impactThe anticipated starting base salary for this position is $140,000 to $185,000 per year, placed by level as described aboveLocationPhiladelphia, PA (no remote candidates considered at this time).
Opportunities to work from home with prior approval.TravelNo travel required.CompensationCompetitive base, full benefits and highly motivating equity incentive package. Flexible time-off policy. Focus on output and ability to work with a stellar team of interdisciplinary functions.Background CheckClear standard background checks, pre-hire, post hire and anytime during employment as required.Residency RequirementsPermanent Residency Required.Physical RequirementsProlonged periods of standing, sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Must be able to lift 10 pounds. Assistive equipment available