Software Engineer, Path Planning

About this role:

Pickle is on the hunt for a dynamic and driven Software Engineer, Path Planning to revolutionize the future of warehouse automation. You’ll design and develop algorithms that enable our robots to navigate complex environments with precision. If you thrive on solving real-world robotics challenges in a collaborative, fast-paced startup environment, we’d love to hear from you

What You’ll Accomplish:

• Design, implement,  and optimize motion planning and control systems for mobile manipulation robots.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to integrate motion planning algorithms with hardware and software systems.
• Participate in the refinement of robotic path planning algorithms to adapt to evolving customer needs and varying operational conditions.
• Test and iterate on solutions to improve reliability, reduce failure rates, and enhance the overall performance of the robot's mobile manipulation capabilities.
• Conduct performance tuning in simulation and on robot to ensure efficient resource usage and minimize latency in robotic operations.
• Contribute to the architecture of scalable software systems that support multiple robot deployments across diverse environments.

Who You Are:

• A software engineer with 3-7 years of experience working in robotics environments, whether in academia, industry, or research settings.
• Holder of a bachelor's degree in computer science, robotics, electrical engineering, or a related field; a master's degree or higher is strongly preferred.
• An expert in Python, with extensive hands-on experience developing and optimizing robotics software. Experience with additional programming languages, such as Drake, is highly preferred.
• Capable of adapting to new tools and frameworks as needed.
• Experienced in motion/path planning, with a strong understanding of robot kinematics, control systems, and navigation algorithms.
• Mathematically inclined, with a deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, and mathematical optimization.
• Familiar with test-driven development (TDD) and comfortable applying TDD practices to ensure reliability and maintainability in product development.
• Detail-oriented with a systems-level mindset, able to integrate motion planning software into larger robotic architectures.
• Collaborative and communicative, able to work closely with multidisciplinary teams to drive product innovation and troubleshooting.
• Willing to work in-office from our Cambridge, MA location at least three days per week, fostering a strong team dynamic and hands-on testing with our robotics systems.
• Adaptable and eager to learn, staying up to date with the latest advancements in robotics, AI, and motion planning.

About Pickle Robot

Pickle Robot is a pioneer in Physical AI for supply chain applications. Today Pickle robots autonomously unload trucks, trailers, and import containers at human-scale or better performance. The alternative is manual work that is difficult, dirty, sometimes dangerous, and increasingly hard to staff at distribution centers around the globe. Pickle Robot is laser focused on automating truck unloading using generative AI, machine learning, computer vision, advanced sensors, and industrial robotics to deliver engineered products customers rely on. Pickle Robot Unload Systems work alongside people on loading docks to make the work safer, faster, and more efficient. Pickle robots are physical AI that unload trucks.

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.