Develop software bridging physical I/O and applications, improve peripherals, collaborate across teams, and enhance automation processes in robotics.
About this role:
Pickle is on the hunt for a dynamic and driven Firmware Engineer for our Firmware team to help us revolutionize the future of warehouse automation. This role serves as the crucial link between the robotic system's physical peripherals and Pickle Robot’s high-level system platform. Responsibilities include configuring and programming devices like PLCs and motor controllers, as well as working within a substantial object-oriented application written in Python.
Your contributions will directly impact the efficiency and reliability of Pickle’s revolutionary material-handling robots. A strong understanding of both complex low-level software design principles and SOLID object oriented principles will be critical to success in this role.
What You'll Accomplish:
- Characterize various peripherals to maximize the performance of the interface in the vendor’s particular programming language, whether that is C,C++,Python, etc.
- Collaborating with hardware & software teams to define interfaces and ensure seamless integration of components.
- Design and implement robust peripheral APIs into Pickle’s platform in Python.
- Designing and implementing safety features, such as emergency stop mechanisms, collision avoidance systems, and other safety-related functionalities.
- Developing test harnesses and debugging tools to verify the reliability and safety of the firmware.
Who You Are :
- 5+ years of professional experience in software development, writing and maintaining C/C++/Python code for embedded systems, including safety PLCs, motor control, sensor acquisition, and real-time control loops.
- Implement communications between peripheral devices and the safety system via Modbus, PROFIsafe, CAN, Ethernet, etc.
- A high level of proficiency in developing with Python is strongly desired. This includes demonstrable expertise using various Python tools and object-oriented programming.
- Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), PLCs, microcontrollers, and embedded development tools.
- Knowledge of relevant safety standards, such as ISO 13849, IEC 62046, ANSI B11, or ANSI RIA R15, is highly desirable.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
- Detail-oriented, problem-solver, and a passion for robotics and innovation.
- You'll need to be on-site enough to make efficient use of the hardware.
- Willing to work at least 3 days per week at our offices in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
- Working with the robots in a warehouse setting is expected.
- A Bachelor or Master degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
Pay at Pickle
At Pickle Robot Company, we believe transparency builds trust. The salary range listed here is provided in accordance with Massachusetts law and reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role. We often consider candidates at different levels of seniority, and final compensation will reflect the level at which a candidate is hired, along with factors like experience and location.
About Pickle Robot
Want to get in on the ground floor of a fast-growing, VC-backed robotics company? Join Pickle Robot! We build systems that companies and their teams love.
Pickle robots unload trucks. Every day, millions of trucks and containers are loaded and unloaded, often requiring manual labor—tough, dirty, dangerous, and hard to staff. Pickle automates this process using AI, machine learning, and robotics to deliver reliable products. Our Unload Systems work with teams on loading docks to make the job safer, faster, and more efficient.
Pickle provides best-in-class benefits including health, dental, & vision insurance; unlimited vacation, along with all federal and state holidays; 401K contributions of 5% your salary, travel supplies, and other items to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive.
Top Skills
Complex Configuration Files
Git
Motor Controllers
Plcs
Python
Pickle Robot Company Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA Office
Cambridge, MA, United States, 02139
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