Software Engineer Job at RAI Institute in Cambridge

Software Engineer – Bring Robots to Life for the Public

Overview

Imagine your code controlling robots that the public can interact with. From driving a Spot robot with a phone to having a robot draw your portrait, your work will make robotics tangible, fun, and memorable. The External Engagement Programs (EEP) Team turns research demos into interactive, production-ready experiences. We deploy our demos for 10–12 weeks at a time in public spaces, museums, and events, and we need engineers who can deliver software that works flawlessly in the real world.

What You'll Do

• Turn internal prototypes into reliable, public-ready robot demos.
• Build new demos and prototypes that inspire and engage people.
• Ensure software runs without intervention for extended deployments.
• Collaborate with a creative team to design experiences that are both educational and fun.
• Maintain high-quality code through reviews, testing, and troubleshooting.

What You'll Bring

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Robotics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience with C++ or Python in production environments.
• Experience with ROS 2 or similar robotics frameworks.
• Familiarity with git, issue tracking, CI/CD, and modern engineering practices.
• Strong communication skills to explain technical ideas clearly.
• Ability to work independently and within a fast-moving team.
• Precision, attention to detail, and troubleshooting expertise.

Nice To Have Skills

• Travel flexibility for occasional events and public demos.
• Experience with multiple robot platforms.
• Knowledge of machine learning in robotics applications.
• Familiarity with Docker, cloud, or other deployment tools.

Why This Role Matters

• Your work will directly engage the public with state-of-the-art robotics.
• You will design and deploy software that works in the real world, not just in a lab.
• You will be part of a team that blends engineering excellence with creativity.
• You’ll see your projects come to life for thousands of people over weeks-long public events.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Research Services