Manager, Robotics Software Engineering

$194,000 - $218,000/Yr

Relativity Space - Long Beach, CA

Full-time - Manager

Long Beach, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

As part of the Robotics Software Engineering team at Relativity Space, you will play a crucial role in building an in-house robotics controls platform that enables the development, instrumentation, and operation of large-scale additive manufacturing systems. This position is pivotal in paving the way for continuous invention of new capabilities within the company. The team emphasizes performance, simplicity, simulation/testing, and reusability, and is focused on creating cohesive interfaces with every piece of equipment used. Additionally, the team is tasked with providing a system that allows for the integration of custom robots and additive systems. In this role, you will spearhead a dynamic team of engineers to develop a unified robotics platform, enhancing the architecture for a high-performance, real-time Linux-based system tailored for robotics and industrial automation. You will engage in hands-on software development, with a strong emphasis on kernel-level Linux customization for real-time applications and robotic control algorithms. Leading by example, you will code alongside your team, taking a hands-on approach to problem-solving and innovation. Your responsibilities will also include organizing the team's work to ensure that projects are on track and align with strategic goals. You will provide mentorship and foster an environment of growth and development within the team. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers and system integrators, will be essential to achieve seamless software-hardware integration and rigorous testing protocols. You will champion safety and code quality by implementing best practices and ensuring compliance with industry standards, while also sharing knowledge through comprehensive documentation and technical presentations. Furthermore, you will drive technical excellence by offering guidance and mentorship to team members, enhancing their skills and aligning opportunities with their career aspirations.

Responsibilities

• Develop an in-house robotics controls platform for large-scale additive manufacturing systems.
• Spearhead a team of engineers to enhance the architecture for a high-performance, real-time Linux-based system.
• Engage in hands-on software development, focusing on kernel level Linux customization for real-time applications.
• Lead by example, coding alongside the team and solving problems innovatively.
• Organize the team's work to ensure projects align with strategic goals and are on track.
• Provide mentorship and foster an environment of growth and development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for seamless software-hardware integration and testing.
• Champion safety and code quality, implementing best practices and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Drive technical excellence and offer guidance to enhance team members' skills.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience leading engineering teams on complex software development and integration projects.
• 8+ years of hands-on software development experience, with expertise in Linux kernel, C/C++, and embedded environments.
• Experience with networking fieldbus protocols (EtherCAT, Profinet, CANbus, Ethernet/IP).
• Solid understanding of robotics kinematics and motion control.
• Proficiency in the Robot Operating System (ROS2) and experience integrating sensors and computer vision into automated systems.
• Demonstrated experience with software integrations with hardware systems lacking an API or library.
• Understanding of robotics kinematics, 3D transformations, quaternions, and linear algebra.
• Experience installing, configuring, and using Linux in a complex network environment.
• Knowledge of motion control concepts and experience setting up motor drives.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with industrial robot manipulators (KUKA, ABB, UR, etc).
• Experience developing in TwinCAT environment.
• Understanding of TwinSAFE safety development.
• Experience developing with Acontis EtherCAT library or similar.
• Industry certification and/or experience with functional safety for machinery.
• Experience with robotic weld systems.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity.
• Generous PTO and sick leave policy.
• Parental leave.
• Annual learning and development stipend.