Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Planning and Control Jobs

Chef Robotics

Location:
United States, San Francisco

Category:
IT - Software Development

Contract Type:
Not provided

Salary:

150000.00 - 260000.00 USD / Year

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Job Description:

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.

Job Responsibility:

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
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
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
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
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

Requirements:

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
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
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

Nice to have:

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

What we offer:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Commuter benefits
Flexible paid time off (PTO)
Catered lunch
401(k) matching
Early-stage equity

Additional Information:

Job Posted:
December 07, 2025

Employment Type:

Fulltime

Work Type:

On-site work

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Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Planning and Control