CleanBotix
CleanBotix, a leading robotics innovator in automated food sanitation technology is seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer for a full‑time position based at our Grand Rapids, Michigan operation. This position will be responsible for leading our software development team, planning solution architecture, and delivering robust and scalable software solutions for autonomous robots. You’ll be instrumental in shaping our technical direction, leading development efforts, and building a software foundation that bridges robotics, industrial controls, and autonomous navigation.
This is a hands‑on leadership position where you’ll write code, architect systems, mentor developers, and work directly with our business and product development to translate ambitious product goals into executable software development plans.
Key Responsibilities
Design and implement software architecture for our autonomous cleaning robot system
Lead development of ROS2‑based control systems integrating arm manipulation, navigation, and auxiliary systems
Establish software development standards, best practices, and testing frameworks
Mastermind layered software testing strategies and software release processes
Direct the development of comprehensive technical documentation
Make critical technical decisions balancing innovation, reliability, maintainability, and cost
Development
Develop and maintain ROS2 nodes for robot control, sensor integration, and system orchestration
Implement and optimize communication protocols (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, etc.) for industrial equipment integration
Build interfaces between MoveIt Pro motion planning and custom navigation systems
Develop control systems for auxiliary hardware (e.g., safety loops, spray valves, lighting, sensors)
Write robust, testable, and maintainable code across the robot software stack
Team & Project Management
Collaborate with business and product stakeholders to define software requirements and development roadmaps
Break down complex projects into actionable development tasks and milestones
Guide and mentor junior developers through code reviews, pair programming, and technical coaching
Coordinate with hardware engineers and external partners
Lead sprint planning, technical discussions, and retrospectives
Quality & Reliability
Implement comprehensive testing strategies (unit, integration, system, and field testing)
Debug complex issues across hardware‑software interfaces in real‑world production environments
Establish continuous integration and deployment pipelines with the support of a DevOps specialist
Develop simulation and testing environments for rapid iteration
Ensure system reliability and safety in food production facility operations
Required Qualifications Technical Skills
Software engineering: Proficiency in C++ and Python; experience with modern development practices (version control, CI/CD, code review)
Robotics and related — any or all of the following:
ROS2 expertise: ROS2 concepts (nodes, topics, services, actions, lifecycle management, parameters) and design patterns
Industrial protocols: Hands‑on experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus TCP/RTU & common industrial networking protocols)
Robotics fundamentals: Solid grasp of kinematics, motion planning, localization, mapping, and sensor fusion
Testing mastery: Demonstrated ability to design and implement comprehensive testing strategies; experience with testing frameworks and debugging tools
Experience
5+ years of software development experience with at least 2 years in a formal lead role
Proven track record of leading technical projects from concept to deployment
Experience mentoring or managing junior developers
Prior work integrating commercial robotic systems or working with mechatronics or related technologies
Experience developing software for real-world deployment in challenging environments
Soft Skills
Excellent communication skills with ability to translate between technical and business stakeholders
Self‑motivated and comfortable with startup ambiguity and rapid iteration
Strong problem‑solving skills and systematic debugging approach
Collaborative mindset with ability to build consensus and drive decisions
Adaptability and willingness to wear multiple hats
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with computer vision and depth camera integration
Familiarity with LiDAR‑based navigation systems
Background in food production, manufacturing, or industrial automation
Experience with safety‑critical systems development
Knowledge of functional safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061, or similar)
Contributions to open‑source robotics projects
Experience with Docker, embedded Linux, and real‑time systems
BS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering, or related field
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This is a hands‑on leadership position where you’ll write code, architect systems, mentor developers, and work directly with our business and product development to translate ambitious product goals into executable software development plans.
Key Responsibilities
Design and implement software architecture for our autonomous cleaning robot system
Lead development of ROS2‑based control systems integrating arm manipulation, navigation, and auxiliary systems
Establish software development standards, best practices, and testing frameworks
Mastermind layered software testing strategies and software release processes
Direct the development of comprehensive technical documentation
Make critical technical decisions balancing innovation, reliability, maintainability, and cost
Development
Develop and maintain ROS2 nodes for robot control, sensor integration, and system orchestration
Implement and optimize communication protocols (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, etc.) for industrial equipment integration
Build interfaces between MoveIt Pro motion planning and custom navigation systems
Develop control systems for auxiliary hardware (e.g., safety loops, spray valves, lighting, sensors)
Write robust, testable, and maintainable code across the robot software stack
Team & Project Management
Collaborate with business and product stakeholders to define software requirements and development roadmaps
Break down complex projects into actionable development tasks and milestones
Guide and mentor junior developers through code reviews, pair programming, and technical coaching
Coordinate with hardware engineers and external partners
Lead sprint planning, technical discussions, and retrospectives
Quality & Reliability
Implement comprehensive testing strategies (unit, integration, system, and field testing)
Debug complex issues across hardware‑software interfaces in real‑world production environments
Establish continuous integration and deployment pipelines with the support of a DevOps specialist
Develop simulation and testing environments for rapid iteration
Ensure system reliability and safety in food production facility operations
Required Qualifications Technical Skills
Software engineering: Proficiency in C++ and Python; experience with modern development practices (version control, CI/CD, code review)
Robotics and related — any or all of the following:
ROS2 expertise: ROS2 concepts (nodes, topics, services, actions, lifecycle management, parameters) and design patterns
Industrial protocols: Hands‑on experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus TCP/RTU & common industrial networking protocols)
Robotics fundamentals: Solid grasp of kinematics, motion planning, localization, mapping, and sensor fusion
Testing mastery: Demonstrated ability to design and implement comprehensive testing strategies; experience with testing frameworks and debugging tools
Experience
5+ years of software development experience with at least 2 years in a formal lead role
Proven track record of leading technical projects from concept to deployment
Experience mentoring or managing junior developers
Prior work integrating commercial robotic systems or working with mechatronics or related technologies
Experience developing software for real-world deployment in challenging environments
Soft Skills
Excellent communication skills with ability to translate between technical and business stakeholders
Self‑motivated and comfortable with startup ambiguity and rapid iteration
Strong problem‑solving skills and systematic debugging approach
Collaborative mindset with ability to build consensus and drive decisions
Adaptability and willingness to wear multiple hats
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with computer vision and depth camera integration
Familiarity with LiDAR‑based navigation systems
Background in food production, manufacturing, or industrial automation
Experience with safety‑critical systems development
Knowledge of functional safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061, or similar)
Contributions to open‑source robotics projects
Experience with Docker, embedded Linux, and real‑time systems
BS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering, or related field
#J-18808-Ljbffr