Software Engineer, Robot Autonomy (Planning & Navigation)

Laelaps AI is a company focused on developing intelligent software for physical security, enabling robots and sensors to handle critical tasks that humans should not. The company aims to create a safer, more secure world through advancements in AI, cloud computing, and hardware. The role of a Software Engineer in Robot Autonomy (Planning & Navigation) involves ensuring that robots can navigate reliably across real customer sites, addressing challenges such as varying terrain, weather conditions, and dynamic obstacles. The main day-to-day responsibilities include designing navigation and path-planning systems, integrating sensors based on navigation needs, and understanding the environment to distinguish ground from obstacles. The engineer will also predict the behavior of dynamic obstacles, ensure field reliability, and validate designs on real robots. Additionally, the role involves working closely with forward-deployed engineers to address site issues and improve the navigation stack through regular site visits. To qualify for this role, candidates must have a Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field such as mechanical engineering, computer science, robotics, or electrical engineering, or equivalent practical experience. A proven track record of building and deploying navigation systems on ground mobile robots is essential, along with hands-on experience in mobile robot navigation and path planning. Understanding of mapping, localization, and their impact on navigation is crucial, as is experience with robotics sensors and hardware. Strong skills in ROS 2, C++, and Python are required, along with the ability to communicate design choices clearly. Nice-to-have skills include experience with legged robots, Nav2 or comparable navigation frameworks, and motion prediction among people and vehicles. Experience with terrain mapping, night-time or all-weather sensing, and safety-critical robotics deployments is also beneficial. The role is based in Zurich, offering a dynamic team environment and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in the field of robotics and security. What the role asks for: - A Master's degree or PhD in mechanical engineering, computer science, robotics, electrical engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. - 3+ years of experience building and deploying navigation on ground mobile robots in the real world. - Hands-on experience with mobile robot navigation and path planning. - Understanding of how mapping and localization affect navigation. - Understanding of how lighting, weather, terrain, and sensor limitations affect perception and navigation. - Hands-on experience with robotics sensors and hardware, especially LiDAR, IMUs, and cameras. - Experience testing and debugging navigation on physical robots using logs, visualization, simulation, and repeatable field tests. - Strong ROS 2, C++, and Python skills. - Willingness to visit customer sites regularly.