Robotics Algorithm Engineer (AI)

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States; hybrid work environment

Company

Hellbender Inc. develops and produces AI-enabled computing sensors and robotic solutions from prototypes through high-volume manufacturing.

What you will do

• Design and implement motion planning, trajectory optimization, and robotic control algorithms.
• Develop perception pipelines for SLAM, sensor fusion, object detection, and localization using LiDAR, cameras, IMUs, RADARs, and other sensors.
• Build and refine kinematic and dynamic models for manipulators, mobile platforms, and multi-body systems.
• Optimize deep learning and classical computer vision algorithms for real-time inference on GPUs, NPUs, FPGAs, and other edge hardware.
• Validate algorithms through physical hardware-in-the-loop testing and analyze test data to improve reliability and safety.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to integrate algorithms into complete robotic systems and document technical results.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Person; U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident status is required.
• Master's degree or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience developing robotics algorithms in a research or production environment.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python, with a foundation in linear algebra, probability and statistics, and control theory.
• Experience with ROS, ROS2, or comparable robotics middleware.
• Hands-on experience with motion planning, SLAM, computer vision, sensor fusion, or testing algorithms on physical robotic hardware.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work environment with a flexible work schedule.
• 401(k) with a 5% Safe Harbor contribution and profit sharing through the 401(k).
• Hellbender pays 100% of employee and family health, dental, and vision insurance premiums.
• 7.5 weeks of total paid time off.
• Opportunities for advancement through an internal promotion policy.