Explore high-impact Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Manipulation jobs and discover a career at the forefront of intelligent machine interaction. Professionals in this specialized role are the architects of a robot's ability to physically interact with and manipulate the world. They design, develop, and deploy the sophisticated software and algorithms that enable robotic arms and end-effectors to perform complex tasks such as grasping, assembling, placing, and handling objects with precision, adaptability, and intelligence. This field sits at the exciting convergence of advanced software engineering, algorithmic theory, and real-world physics, making these roles critical in industries like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, agriculture, and consumer robotics. A Senior Robotics Software Engineer specializing in manipulation typically shoulders a wide array of responsibilities. Core to the role is the development and implementation of both classical and machine learning-based algorithms for motion planning, trajectory optimization, and dynamic control. This involves creating systems for robust path planning that avoid obstacles while achieving dexterous manipulation goals. Engineers in these jobs are responsible for integrating and fusing data from various sensors—such as force/torque sensors, tactile arrays, and computer vision systems—to create responsive feedback loops. This allows robots to adapt in real-time to variations in object weight, texture, compliance, and position. Furthermore, they build and optimize the core control strategies, including impedance and force control, to manage contact dynamics delicately and effectively. Beyond pure algorithm development, senior professionals often contribute to high-level system architecture, design clean interfaces between manipulation and other subsystems like perception and planning, establish software best practices, and mentor junior team members. To excel in Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Manipulation jobs, a specific and deep skill set is required. Typically, employers seek candidates with an advanced degree (MS or PhD preferred) in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, coupled with 5+ years of direct experience. Expert-level programming proficiency in C++ and/or Python is fundamental, alongside a strong grasp of software engineering principles. The role demands extensive knowledge of robotics fundamentals: kinematics, dynamics, state estimation, and both classical (e.g., sampling-based planners, optimization) and modern ML/RL approaches to manipulation. Practical experience with ROS (Robot Operating System), simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, MuJoCo), and deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) is highly valued. Strong mathematical skills in linear algebra, geometry, probability, and optimization are indispensable. Successful candidates also demonstrate proven leadership in shipping complex systems, exceptional problem-solving abilities for unstructured challenges, and a passion for turning theoretical concepts into reliable, deployed robotic capabilities. If you are driven to build the next generation of intelligent, interacting machines, exploring Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Manipulation jobs is your next strategic career move.
