Senior Robotics / Autonomy Engineer – AI Sensor & Edge Systems
16 days ago
San Francisco
Role Overview We are building next-generation sensor and edge-compute systems that enable heavy machinery to see, understand, and learn from the real world. This role is for a high-velocity implementer, not a researcher. You will design, build, deploy, and iterate on real-world AI systems mounted on large machines operating in harsh environments. If you thrive under tight timelines, imperfect data, brutal bandwidth constraints, and hands-on hardware integration, this role is for you. This initiative is part of a broader vision to collect large-scale machine data for reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and foundation model development, similar to how Tesla approaches autonomy. Key Responsibilities · Design and deploy modular sensor stacks (LiDAR, cameras, CAN bus, edge compute) across multiple machine types · Build low-latency AI pipelines under constrained bandwidth and compute environments · Integrate edge AI systems with heavy machinery and autonomous platforms · Enable efficient data capture, filtering, and offloading via 5G / Wi-Fi · Identify critical data signals required for model training and continuously refine data pipelines · Rapidly iterate on AI workflows to support reinforcement learning and imitation learning · Work onsite to mount, test, debug, and harden systems in real-world conditions · Deliver large amounts of functional output under aggressive timelines Required Technical Skills · Strong hands-on experience in AI development for Robotics / Autonomy · Proficient in C++ and/or Python · Experience building sensor stacks including: · LiDAR · Cameras · CAN BUS · Edge compute systems Prior work with: · Autonomous vehicles · Robotics platforms · UAV sensing systems · DIY robots that operate in real environments · Comfortable working with imperfect data, hardware constraints, and field deployments Preferred Skills · Experience with transformer-based models and AI agents · Familiarity using multiple AI agents simultaneously · Exposure to reinforcement learning, imitation learning, or world models · Background in edge AI optimization and bandwidth-constrained systems · Previous experience at Uber, Tesla, or similar autonomy-driven companies Soft Skills & Mindset · Self-starter / go-getter mentality · Extremely autonomous and execution-focused · Thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments · Comfortable cutting corners when needed to deliver results · Strong problem-solving instincts with a “make it work” attitude · Energized by shipping in weeks, not publishing in months Why This Role · Direct impact on real machines in the field · Opportunity to shape large-scale AI data collection for foundation models · Work alongside senior architects tackling complex autonomy challenges · High ownership, high trust, and rapid execution · Not research-oriented — this is about building and deploying