As a Robot Systems Engineer, you will design and optimize Linux-based software for robotic hardware, ensuring real-time control and system performance,
About you and this role:
Robust AI is a fast-growing, early-stage startup founded in 2019 by an unsurpassed team of veterans in robotics, AI and business. We are a collaborative group with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, seeking talented individuals who are just as excited about robotics and AI as we are! Help us redefine the very foundation of robotics and build robots that are smart, collaborative, robust, safe, flexible and genuinely autonomous. As a Robot Systems Engineer at Robust AI you will join a small fast-paced team working to design and deploy the next generation of warehouse robotic systems.
In this role you will collaborate closely with our engineering team to lead the optimization of Linux-based software platforms that interface directly with robotic hardware, ensuring reliable real-time control, communication, and system performance. You are curious, deeply knowledgeable, well-organized, and thorough — and you thrive in the fast-moving environment of an early-stage startup where pivoting quickly is part of the job.
Our robots are deployed across diverse customer sites and operate across a range of software and hardware configurations, with distribution models that span onboard, on-premises, and cloud-based environments. You will also play an important role in ensuring the security and integrity of sensitive data both on and off-robot. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with your skills, qualifications, and experience.
Main responsibilities:
- Design, configure, and maintain custom Linux distributions (e.g., using Yocto or Buildroot).
- Develop and maintain Linux kernel configurations for robotic hardware.
- Bring-up of new robot hardware platforms.
- Conduct regular performance and regression testing to ensure robotic software operates within constraints.
- Integrate robotics middleware such as Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS 2).
- Develop firmware update mechanisms (OTA updates).
- Implement secure boot and root filesystem protection.
- Ensure system robustness against crashes and power loss.
- Write technical documentation (architecture, APIs, bring-up guides).
What you’ll bring to the table:
- Depth of knowledge on embedded Linux systems
- Familiarity with Linux for Tegra (L4T)
- A desire and ability to keep the knowledge current
- Coverage of Ubuntu, Jetson-based hardware, encrypted drive volumes
What we offer:
- Base pay between $150k and $190k dependent on your skills, qualifications and experience.
- Stock options and huge potential for growth.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
- Flexible vacation and sick leave practices.
- Paid parental leave.
Robust AI fosters a culture of belonging and a shared commitment to equality and equity.
Having a diverse set of perspectives is key to ensuring AI and robotics serve the needs of all.
Top Skills
Buildroot
Embedded Linux
Jetson-Based Hardware
Linux
Robot Operating System (Ros)
Ubuntu
Yocto
Robust.AI San Carlos, California, USA Office
1050 Commercial St,, San Carlos, CA, United States, 94070
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