Senior Autonomy Engineer

Brain Corp is a San Diego, California, USA-based AI company creating transformative core technology for the robotics industry. Our purpose is to create autonomous technology that helps the real world work better. Brain's robotic and AI solutions help retailers ensure that the right product is on the right shelf at the right price, in a clean environment. Through the BrainOS® Robotics Platform, which powers the largest global fleet of the Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in operation in commercial public spaces, Brain Corp delivers insightful and efficient automated solutions in both commercial floor cleaning and inventory management, empowering organizations and their employees to achieve more. Brain Corp currently powers more than 30,000 AMRs, representing the largest fleet of its kind in the world. Brain Corp is funded by the SoftBank Vision Fund, Clearbridge, and Qualcomm Ventures.

Position Summary:

As a member of the R&D team, the Senior Autonomy Engineer is expected to develop AI tech that represents the next generation of software for robots - it enables machines to perceive, learn, and navigate complex environments, while avoiding people and obstacles. The candidate is expected to have advanced knowledge in the fields of machine learning, perception, SLAM and motion planning. Senior Autonomy Engineer is expected to take part in guidance of research and development and provide mentorship to other team members.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides expertise and effectively implements solutions in machine learning algorithms, SLAM, motion planning and robotic perception to solve safe robotic navigation in complex environments.
• Surveys current state of the art and performs research in the field of machine learning, SLAM and motion planning and proposes new research directions.
• Researches and develops adaptive algorithms for robotic learning from human demonstration.
• Develops, integrates, and participates in deployment of solutions to the robot fleet along with assessment of real-world impact through data analysis.
• Provides guidance and mentorship to team members in the field of robotics, machine learning and software development that supports these.
• Researches and develops algorithms in the field of supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement learning for data analysis from the robotic fleet.
• Performs research and development in algorithms for speeding up robotic perception, mapping and motion planning on various hardware platforms.
• Provides expertise and guidance for the development of software frameworks and tools to streamline robotics research.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: 

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Software engineering or a related field.
• In-depth experience with SLAM, Perception, or Motion Planning algorithms.
• 4 years of industry experience in an embodied AI field (e.g. robotics, self driving).
• Strong experience in machine learning techniques (unsupervised, supervised, reinforcement, demonstration) and optimization algorithms.
• Strong coding skills in Python and C++ in a Linux environment.
• Extensive experience converting publications to actual implementations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics: 

• Experience in deep neural network packages (e.g. TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience designing and developing robotic systems using a robotic middleware (such as ROS), and existing libraries and tools.
• Track record of research excellence or/and experience converting publications to actual implementations.
• Experience with continuous integration, deployment and release management tools.
• Experience with Agile and Scrum methodology.
• Proven system integration and software architecture skills.
• Experience launching products containing machine learning algorithms.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential functions may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for sitting, walking or standing for periods of time; operating a computer and keyboard; talk and hear at normal room levels; using hands to finger, grasp, and feel; repetitive motion; close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; lift, push, carry, or pull up to 20 pounds. 

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Employee is exposed to the typical office environment with computers, printers and telephones.

Salary Range:

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego, California is $151,545 to $183,449. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Brain Corp is a multi-state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

In addition to base pay, our competitive total rewards package consists of:

• A discretionary annual target bonus
• Stock options
• 401(k) plan with match (no waiting period and immediate vesting)
• Comprehensive suite of insurance benefits for employees (and their families) to include a variety of medical plan options (including an HSA with employer contribution), dental, vision, life and disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Legal/Identity support plans, pet insurance.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Generous paid time off including flexible vacation, Paid Sick Leave, time off for volunteering in the community, 10 paid company holidays, and a winter company shutdown

Additional Perks include:

• Daily on-site lunch available in the San Diego office
• On-campus gym including pool and tennis courts in the San Diego office
• Opportunities to connect with colleagues including monthly game nights, hikes, wellness challenges, and community events 
• Internal continuous learning events 
• Opportunities to share your own interests and hobbies with the Company