Senior/Staff Roboticist

Do you enjoy architecting and delivering complex robotic systems that push the boundaries of what’s possible? At Collaborative Robotics, we’re building next-generation robots that seamlessly interact with people and their environments — and we’re looking for a Senior/Staff Roboticist to help lead this effort. This is your opportunity to own the system architecture and technical execution of advanced robotic platforms, guiding teams across mechanical, electrical, and controls disciplines to bring new ideas to life.

In this role, you’ll drive system-level design and decision-making, using detailed engineering analyses to inform trade-offs and ensure cohesive performance across subsystems. You’ll define and validate requirements, lead rigorous testing and validation efforts, and contribute hands-on to design, troubleshooting, and implementation. You’ll collaborate closely with technical leadership and cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, innovative robotic systems that are ready for the real world.

This is a unique opportunity to take on a staff-level role where technical vision and engineering rigor come together. If you’re excited to shape the architecture of groundbreaking robotic platforms and see them through from concept to deployment, we’d love for you to join us.

This role is located at our Santa Clara, CA headquarters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the architecture and execution of novel robotic systems.

• Translate vision into implementation by working closely with technical leaders, acting as a driver of technical execution.

• Lead system-level design and decision-making by conducting detailed engineering analyses to guide cross-disciplinary trade-offs.

• Drive cross-disciplinary collaboration, coordinating software, electrical, and mechanical teams to ensure cohesive system performance.

• Perform hands-on implementation when needed, contributing to design, testing, and troubleshooting across subsystems.

• Define and validate system requirements, author and execute test plans, and ensure system reliability through rigorous validation.

• Occasionally travel, as needed, for on-site support and collaboration.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience developing and delivering complex robotic systems from concept through implementation.

• Strong systems engineering mindset, with experience defining requirements, writing tests, and analyzing subsystem interactions.

• Demonstrated ability to independently perform detailed technical analyses related to robotics (e.g., reachability analysis, force/preload calculations, forward and inverse kinematics).

• Excellent debugging and troubleshooting skills, with a track record of bringing up complex systems successfully.

• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with technical leadership and translating high-level vision into execution.

• Highly motivated teammate with excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Enjoy working in a fast paced, collaborative and dynamic start-up environment as part of a small team.

• Willing to occasionally travel.

• Must have and maintain US work authorization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• 7+ years of experience developing and delivering complex robotic systems from concept through implementation.

• Prior experience with high degree of freedom robotic arms or bimanual manipulation systems.

• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving technical execution on large, multi-disciplinary projects.

• Demonstrated success in architecting and scaling novel robotic platforms or products.

• Strong track record of technical leadership in fast-paced, innovative environments.

The base salary range for this position is $205,000 - $220,000 plus equity and comprehensive benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role and experience level. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position in the noted geographic area. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Cobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.

To all recruitment agencies: Cobot does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our employees. Cobot is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.