Staff Robotics Architect, Humanoid Platforms

The challenge

Architect the full-stack system for a next-generation humanoid platform, defining the intersection of whole-body control, perception, and high-torque actuation.

Role overview

System architecture for the humanoid robot platform, spanning mechanical actuation, embedded real-time control, and the high-level planning layer. The cross-cutting technical decisions that determine what the robot can and cannot do.

Specializations

Technical requirements

• PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or Controls, or equivalent industry experience
• 12+ years in robotics with hands-on experience on legged or humanoid platforms
• Deep understanding of dynamics and control for articulated multi-body systems
• Experience taking robotic systems from prototype to field deployment
• Published contributions to locomotion, manipulation, or whole-body control
• Experience with real-time control systems running at 500 Hz or faster

Key responsibilities

• Define the system architecture for a humanoid robot platform including actuation, sensing, control, and planning layers
• Make cross-cutting technical decisions that balance capability, reliability, and manufacturing cost
• Lead the design of the whole-body control framework that coordinates 30+ actuated joints
• Define hardware-software interface specifications for real-time control at 1 kHz loop rates
• Drive the locomotion and manipulation strategy from research prototype to production reliability
• Evaluate and select key technology components: actuators, sensors, compute platforms, real-time OS

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $240,000 - $290,000
• Significant equity package (founding engineer level)
• Relocation support to Bay Area
• Annual equipment budget ($5,000)
• Paid conference attendance and travel for 2 conferences per year