Senior Robotics Manipulation Researcher

Senior Robotics Manipulation Researcher Autononomique Inc. Menlo Park, CA Job Details Full-time | Internship $90,000 - $180,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Stock options Qualifications Software engineering Reinforcement learning Doctoral degree Software coding Master's degree C++ AI Robotics Robotics Python Full Job Description About Autonomique Autonomique is a fast-growing startup building at the forefront of

Physical AI:

making robots do real work in the real world. We don't just publish papers; we solve the core challenges of autonomy—perception, reasoning, and dexterity—to empower reliable operations for the world's most demanding industries. We have achieved significant real-world traction, already deploying bimanual robots in production. We are looking for a core technical leader to join our tight-knit team and help build the future of physical AI.The RoleThis is a high-impact, high-ownership role for a builder who wants to shape our technical roadmap alongside the leadership team. You will work directly with the founding team to architect the core systems that define our robot's capabilities. We are looking for someone who values significant equity participation and wants to capture the upside of the value they create. You won't just be an employee; you will be a key architect of our success. What You'll Do Define the

Stack:

Work directly with leadership to architect the algorithms and software systems that will power our entire fleet of robots.

Deploy Robust Manipulation Algorithms:

Design and implement algorithms for complex bimanual tasks (pick/place, insertion, tool use) that don't just work in the lab but perform reliably in dynamic industrial environments. Develop learning-based robot behaviors using approaches such as Diffusion Policy, imitation learning, and reinforcement learning to improve performance, robustness, and recovery. Contribute to end-to-end robot autonomy systems that connect perception, semantic task understanding, and low-level robot control.

Production-Grade Engineering:

Write, review, and maintain mission-critical code for our core robotics stack, establishing the engineering standards for the entire company.

Optimize & Scale:

Continuously profile robotic software to maximize throughput and reliability across our growing fleet of deployed robots.

What We're Looking For Education:

PhD or MS in Robotics, CS, or related field with significant industry experience.

Experience:

3+ years of hands-on experience shipping code for physical robots (not just simulation).

Technical Expertise:

Deep expertise in manipulation planning, imitation learning, and reinforcement learning.

Engineering Excellence:

Production-level proficiency in Python and C++ with a track record of building robust, maintainable systems.

Why Join Us Ownership:

We offer a substantial equity package designed for those who believe in our mission and want to be rewarded for the company's long-term success.

Impact:

Work directly on real-world projects and see your code deployed in the real world immediately.

Culture:

A collaborative, high-velocity supportive environment conducive to both personal and professional growth.

Logistics Location:

Menlo Park, CA or Montreal, QC (On-site)

Employment Type:

Full-time Pay:

$90,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Stock options

Work Location:

In person