Principal Engineer, Robotics Software (AI2465)

Description
Job Title:
Principal Engineer, Robotics Software
Job Location: San Jose, CA
(
This position requires a full-time, on-site presence in our San Jose, CA office
)

Job ID: AI2465
Job Description
We are seeking an exceptional
Principal Engineer, Robotics Software
to join our cutting-edge Robotics and AI software team. The ideal candidate brings deep, hands-on experience in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), aerial drones, and most preferably humanoid robots. You will play a strategic and technical leadership role in developing intelligent, autonomous systems across various platforms.

This role requires a strong foundation in
embedded systems
, a solid grasp of
neural networks and AI
, and understanding of advancements in
Generative AI (GenAI)
. Expertise in
Lidar-based SLAM
and
Visual SLAM
is critical for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive technical discussions relating to architecture, design, and development of software and hardware systems for AMRs, drones, and/or humanoid robots.
• Build and deploy perception, localization, and navigation systems using Lidar-based and Visual SLAM techniques.
• Design real-time embedded systems to interface with sensors, actuators, and compute platforms.
• Integrate deep learning models for object detection, motion planning, behavior prediction, and scene understanding.
• Contribute to or lead R&D efforts related to Generative AI and its applications in robotics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including electrical, and AI scientists to deliver complete solutions.
• Evaluate and integrate sensors such as cameras, IMUs, LIDARs, and ultrasonic systems for 360° situational awareness.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide strategic input into long-term robotics and AI vision.

Required Qualifications And Experience

• Master's or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in robotics systems design, with a focus on AMRs and/or drones.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and ROS/ROS2 frameworks.
• Proven experience with SLAM systems, both Lidar-based (e.g., Cartographer, LOAM) and visual (e.g., ORB-SLAM, OpenVSLAM).
• Hands-on expertise with embedded systems, RTOS, and board-level debugging.
• Solid understanding of deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and their deployment on edge devices.
• Familiarity with Generative AI models (e.g., transformers, diffusion models) and how they are shaping future intelligent systems.
• Experience with humanoid robotics is a strong plus.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and simulation platforms (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac Sim).
• Knowledge of real-time computer vision, 3D mapping, and autonomous decision-making.
• Familiarity with safety, compliance, and fail-safe system design for autonomous platforms.
• Contributions to open-source robotics or AI projects.
• Demonstrated innovation through patents and technical publications.

Personal Attributes
Can-do attitude. Strong team player. Curious, creative, and good at solving problems. Execution and results oriented. Self-driven, Thinks Big and is highly accountable. Good communication skills.

The annual salary for this position ranges from $220,000 - $296,400. The actual annual salary paid for this position will be based on several factors, including but not limited to, skills, prior experiences, qualifications, expertise, work location, total target compensation, training, company needs, and current market demands. The annual salary range for this position is subject to change and may be adjusted in the future.

EEO Employer:
SiMa is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.