Energy Jobline ZR
Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Planning and Control in San Francisco
Energy Jobline ZR, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
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Job DescriptionJob Description About Our Team Chef Robotics is on a mission to accelerate the advent of intelligent machines in the physical world. As the rise of LLMs like ChatGPT has shown, AI has the potential to drive immense change. However, we believe AI’s biggest impact will be in the physical world, given industries like manufacturing, food, and transportation represent 90% of global GDP. We're starting with food, with a goal to put an intelligent robot in every commercial kitchen in the world. We have signed multiple multi-year contracts with various large food companies and we are growing fast. We're backed by investors like Kleiner Perkins, Construct, Bloomberg BETA and Promus Ventures. We have a great team, where you will be surrounded by talented engineers and tech leaders from companies like Cruise, Zoox, Google, Verb Surgical, Tesla, Nuro, Vicarious, Amazon Robotics, Strateos, Built Robotics, Facebook, Plenty, Yelp, and Microsoft. About the Role As a Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Planning and Control at Chef Robotics, you'll lead the development of sophisticated motion planning and control systems that orchestrate complex food preparation workflows. You'll be responsible for designing and implementing high-level planning algorithms that coordinate multi-step recipes, optimize robot trajectories for efficiency and safety, and ensure smooth execution across dynamic kitchen environments. This role requires expertise in motion planning, trajectory optimization, and real-time control systems that can adapt to the fast-paced demands of commercial food production. As a small team, we are focused on building a positive in-office culture. We are looking for individuals who are available to work onsite at the office five days a week and can work start-up-oriented hours.Advanced Motion Planning & Trajectory Optimization
Lead the development of classical and learning-based motion planning algorithms for complex food preparation workflows
Design and implement trajectory optimization systems that balance speed, safety, and precision across multi-step recipes
Develop robust path planning algorithms that handle dynamic obstacles and changing kitchen environments
Create adaptive planning systems that can replan in real-time based on changing conditions or recipe modifications
Implement global and local planning strategies for efficient task sequencing and execution
Control Systems & Real-Time Execution
Design and implement advanced control algorithms for precise robot motion during food preparation tasks
Develop real-time control systems that ensure smooth trajectory execution with appropriate safety constraints
Create feedback control loops that adapt to unexpected situations and maintain system stability
Implement model predictive control and other advanced control techniques for optimal performance
Design fail-safe mechanisms and emergency stop procedures for safe operation in commercial environments
Recipe Planning & Task Coordination
Develop high-level planning systems that translate recipes into executable robot commands and motion sequences
Create intelligent task scheduling algorithms that optimize workflow efficiency across multiple preparation steps
Design coordination systems for managing complex multi-ingredient recipes with timing constraints
Implement planning algorithms that can handle recipe variations and ingredient substitutions
Develop systems for dynamic replanning when recipe modifications or interruptions occur
Performance Analysis & Optimization
Analyze planning and control performance across different recipes and operational conditions
Optimize trajectories and control parameters for maximum throughput while maintaining food quality and safety
Develop metrics and monitoring systems to evaluate planning efficiency and execution accuracy
Create data collection and analysis pipelines to continuously improve planning and control algorithms
Implement performance benchmarking systems for planning and control subsystems
System Architecture & Integration
Contribute to overall robotics software architecture design with focus on planning and control subsystems
Design clean interfaces between planning/control algorithms and perception, manipulation, and execution systems
Lead integration of planning systems with real-time control and safety monitoring components
Establish software engineering standards and best practices for planning and control code
Mentor junior engineers and drive technical decision-making for planning and control initiatives
Required Qualifications - Technical Expertise
BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
7+ years of professional experience in robotics software development with focus on planning and control
Expert-level proficiency in Python and/or C++ with strong software engineering fundamentals
Deep understanding of motion planning algorithms including sampling-based, optimization-based, and learning-based approaches
Extensive experience with trajectory optimization, path planning, and trajectory smoothing techniques
Proven experience leading and shipping complex robotics planning and control projects
Strong background with real-time control systems and feedback control design
Domain Knowledge
Advanced knowledge of robotic motion planning including RRT, PRM, and optimization-based planning methods
Experience with trajectory optimization techniques and numerical optimization methods
Understanding of control theory including PID, model predictive control, and adaptive control strategies
Knowledge of robot dynamics, kinematics, and constraint-based planning
Experience with real-time systems and deterministic control loop implementation
Personal Attributes
Excellent mathematical skills, especially with geometry, optimization, control theory, and linear algebra
Strong problem-solving abilities with systematic approach to complex planning and control challenges
Leadership experience with ability to mentor junior engineers and drive technical initiatives
Comfort with working in a fast-paced startup environment with startup-oriented hours
Commitment to working onsite five days a week to contribute to positive in-office culture
Passion for robotics and food automation technology
Desired Qualifications
Startup experience with track record of shipping working products under tight deadlines
Robotics research experience, including publications in motion planning, control, or related fields
Experience with the robotics tech stack including Linux, ROS, OpenCV, CUDA
Knowledge of calibration, state estimation, and sensor fusion for planning and control
Experience with basic mechatronics and electronics relevant to control systems
Background in manufacturing automation, food production, or industrial robotics
Experience with machine learning approaches to motion planning and control
Knowledge of multi-robot coordination and task allocation algorithms
Key Projects You'll Lead
Developing next- recipe planning systems for complex multi-step food preparation
Implementing advanced trajectory optimization frameworks for high-speed, precise motion
Creating adaptive planning algorithms that handle dynamic kitchen environments
Leading integration of planning and control systems with perception and manipulation subsystems
Establishing planning and control testing frameworks for production deployment validation
Chef is an early-stage startup where equity is a major part of the compensation package. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to salary and early-stage equity, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, commuter benefits, flexible paid time off (PTO), catered lunch, and 401(k) matching. Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer and value at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of , , , , and expression, , , ancestry, status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, , status, protected medical condition, genetic information, , or any other protected status. Multiple studies have found that a higher percentage of women and BIPOC candidates won't apply if they don't meet every listed qualification. Chef values candidates of all backgrounds. If you find yourself excited by our mission but you don't check every box in the description, we encourage you to apply anyway!
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
If you are interested in applying for this job please press the Apply Button and follow the application process. Energy Jobline wishes you the very best of luck in your next career move.
We focus on the Oil & Gas, Renewables, Engineering, Power, and Nuclear markets as well as emerging technologies in EV, Battery, and Fusion. We are committed to ensuring that we offer the most exciting career opportunities from around the world for our jobseekers.
Job DescriptionJob Description About Our Team Chef Robotics is on a mission to accelerate the advent of intelligent machines in the physical world. As the rise of LLMs like ChatGPT has shown, AI has the potential to drive immense change. However, we believe AI’s biggest impact will be in the physical world, given industries like manufacturing, food, and transportation represent 90% of global GDP. We're starting with food, with a goal to put an intelligent robot in every commercial kitchen in the world. We have signed multiple multi-year contracts with various large food companies and we are growing fast. We're backed by investors like Kleiner Perkins, Construct, Bloomberg BETA and Promus Ventures. We have a great team, where you will be surrounded by talented engineers and tech leaders from companies like Cruise, Zoox, Google, Verb Surgical, Tesla, Nuro, Vicarious, Amazon Robotics, Strateos, Built Robotics, Facebook, Plenty, Yelp, and Microsoft. About the Role As a Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Planning and Control at Chef Robotics, you'll lead the development of sophisticated motion planning and control systems that orchestrate complex food preparation workflows. You'll be responsible for designing and implementing high-level planning algorithms that coordinate multi-step recipes, optimize robot trajectories for efficiency and safety, and ensure smooth execution across dynamic kitchen environments. This role requires expertise in motion planning, trajectory optimization, and real-time control systems that can adapt to the fast-paced demands of commercial food production. As a small team, we are focused on building a positive in-office culture. We are looking for individuals who are available to work onsite at the office five days a week and can work start-up-oriented hours.Advanced Motion Planning & Trajectory Optimization
Lead the development of classical and learning-based motion planning algorithms for complex food preparation workflows
Design and implement trajectory optimization systems that balance speed, safety, and precision across multi-step recipes
Develop robust path planning algorithms that handle dynamic obstacles and changing kitchen environments
Create adaptive planning systems that can replan in real-time based on changing conditions or recipe modifications
Implement global and local planning strategies for efficient task sequencing and execution
Control Systems & Real-Time Execution
Design and implement advanced control algorithms for precise robot motion during food preparation tasks
Develop real-time control systems that ensure smooth trajectory execution with appropriate safety constraints
Create feedback control loops that adapt to unexpected situations and maintain system stability
Implement model predictive control and other advanced control techniques for optimal performance
Design fail-safe mechanisms and emergency stop procedures for safe operation in commercial environments
Recipe Planning & Task Coordination
Develop high-level planning systems that translate recipes into executable robot commands and motion sequences
Create intelligent task scheduling algorithms that optimize workflow efficiency across multiple preparation steps
Design coordination systems for managing complex multi-ingredient recipes with timing constraints
Implement planning algorithms that can handle recipe variations and ingredient substitutions
Develop systems for dynamic replanning when recipe modifications or interruptions occur
Performance Analysis & Optimization
Analyze planning and control performance across different recipes and operational conditions
Optimize trajectories and control parameters for maximum throughput while maintaining food quality and safety
Develop metrics and monitoring systems to evaluate planning efficiency and execution accuracy
Create data collection and analysis pipelines to continuously improve planning and control algorithms
Implement performance benchmarking systems for planning and control subsystems
System Architecture & Integration
Contribute to overall robotics software architecture design with focus on planning and control subsystems
Design clean interfaces between planning/control algorithms and perception, manipulation, and execution systems
Lead integration of planning systems with real-time control and safety monitoring components
Establish software engineering standards and best practices for planning and control code
Mentor junior engineers and drive technical decision-making for planning and control initiatives
Required Qualifications - Technical Expertise
BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
7+ years of professional experience in robotics software development with focus on planning and control
Expert-level proficiency in Python and/or C++ with strong software engineering fundamentals
Deep understanding of motion planning algorithms including sampling-based, optimization-based, and learning-based approaches
Extensive experience with trajectory optimization, path planning, and trajectory smoothing techniques
Proven experience leading and shipping complex robotics planning and control projects
Strong background with real-time control systems and feedback control design
Domain Knowledge
Advanced knowledge of robotic motion planning including RRT, PRM, and optimization-based planning methods
Experience with trajectory optimization techniques and numerical optimization methods
Understanding of control theory including PID, model predictive control, and adaptive control strategies
Knowledge of robot dynamics, kinematics, and constraint-based planning
Experience with real-time systems and deterministic control loop implementation
Personal Attributes
Excellent mathematical skills, especially with geometry, optimization, control theory, and linear algebra
Strong problem-solving abilities with systematic approach to complex planning and control challenges
Leadership experience with ability to mentor junior engineers and drive technical initiatives
Comfort with working in a fast-paced startup environment with startup-oriented hours
Commitment to working onsite five days a week to contribute to positive in-office culture
Passion for robotics and food automation technology
Desired Qualifications
Startup experience with track record of shipping working products under tight deadlines
Robotics research experience, including publications in motion planning, control, or related fields
Experience with the robotics tech stack including Linux, ROS, OpenCV, CUDA
Knowledge of calibration, state estimation, and sensor fusion for planning and control
Experience with basic mechatronics and electronics relevant to control systems
Background in manufacturing automation, food production, or industrial robotics
Experience with machine learning approaches to motion planning and control
Knowledge of multi-robot coordination and task allocation algorithms
Key Projects You'll Lead
Developing next- recipe planning systems for complex multi-step food preparation
Implementing advanced trajectory optimization frameworks for high-speed, precise motion
Creating adaptive planning algorithms that handle dynamic kitchen environments
Leading integration of planning and control systems with perception and manipulation subsystems
Establishing planning and control testing frameworks for production deployment validation
Chef is an early-stage startup where equity is a major part of the compensation package. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to salary and early-stage equity, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, commuter benefits, flexible paid time off (PTO), catered lunch, and 401(k) matching. Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer and value at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of , , , , and expression, , , ancestry, status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, , status, protected medical condition, genetic information, , or any other protected status. Multiple studies have found that a higher percentage of women and BIPOC candidates won't apply if they don't meet every listed qualification. Chef values candidates of all backgrounds. If you find yourself excited by our mission but you don't check every box in the description, we encourage you to apply anyway!
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
If you are interested in applying for this job please press the Apply Button and follow the application process. Energy Jobline wishes you the very best of luck in your next career move.