Robotics Software Engineer - Grasping

Intrinsic is the AI robotics division within Google that seeks to transform industrial automation through advances in artificial intelligence, perception, and simulation. The group builds software and data platforms that make robots smarter, more accessible, and usable by a broad range of businesses, developers, and entrepreneurs. As a Robotics Software Engineer focused on grasping, you will join a multidisciplinary team of engineers, roboticists, designers, and application specialists dedicated to delivering production‑grade robotic solutions. In this role you will design, implement, and maintain high‑performance algorithms that enable robots to pick up and manipulate objects in real manufacturing settings. You will translate complex partner requirements into reliable software components, integrate those components with existing motion‑planning and control stacks, and validate the solutions on physical hardware. Daily tasks also include collaborating with teammates to apply the latest research in perception and manipulation, troubleshooting failures, and contributing to the overall robustness of the core robotics framework. The position requires a master's degree in robotics, computer science, or a closely related discipline, together with at least two years of professional experience working on robotic systems. Candidates must demonstrate strong programming abilities in both C++ and Python, producing clean, efficient, and production‑ready code. A solid grasp of linear algebra, spatial transformations, kinematics, and rigid‑body dynamics is essential, as is hands‑on experience testing, deploying, and iterating on real robot hardware. Additional qualifications that will strengthen your application include a PhD focused on motion planning, control, or grasping, as well as prior involvement in robotic manipulation projects. Experience that spans the full robotics stack, from low‑level kinematics and motion generation to system integration and testing, is also valued. The team operates in a collaborative, inclusive environment and follows Google's equal‑opportunity policies; work is performed on‑site where the robotics labs are located, offering direct access to cutting‑edge hardware and cross‑functional expertise. Intrinsic's robotics labs are situated in a campus environment that provides immediate access to state‑of‑the‑art robot platforms and close collaboration with other Google AI groups. The role offers a full‑time schedule with the expectation of on‑site presence to run experiments and iterate quickly. Team members benefit from a culture that values diversity, mentorship, and continuous learning, and the organization commits to hiring based solely on merit and relevant qualifications. Accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities through the dedicated support channel. By contributing to the grasping stack, you will directly influence Intrinsic's mission to make industrial robotics intelligent and usable for millions of enterprises. Successful delivery of robust algorithms can lead to new product releases and broader adoption across manufacturing sectors, providing clear pathways for career advancement within Google's robotics ecosystem. What the role asks for: - Master's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field - Minimum 2 years professional robotics experience - Strong C++ programming skills - Strong Python programming skills - Knowledge of linear algebra, spatial transformations, kinematics, dynamics - Hands‑on experience with physical robot hardware - PhD in Robotics or related field (nice-to-have) - Prior work on robotic grasping/manipulation projects (nice-to-have) - Full‑stack robotics development experience (nice-to-have)