Robotics Technical Lead (AI & Manipulation)

Department: Software

Location: HQ

Compensation: $220K – $260K • Offers Equity

Employment Type: FullTime

Job Title:

Robotics Technical Lead (AI & Manipulation)

About UnitX:

UnitX builds the world's leading physical AI systems to automate repetitive visual tasks in factories. UnitX is a fast-moving startup with a team from Stanford, MIT, Google, and beyond. Since inception, UnitX has deployed 1,000+ mission-critical systems across 190+ of the world's leading manufacturers' production lines. Every year, $15B worth of products go through UnitX's AI inspection system to ensure quality.

If you are a customer-obsessed, first-principle problem solver who loves getting into the technical nitty gritty to deliver compelling, quantifiable, and scalable value to our customer within the 24/7 mission-critical manufacturing world, there is truly no better place to do it than UnitX. We have assembled a world-class team of problem solvers in Silicon Valley and would love to talk to you.

Role Overview:

We’re looking for a visionary and hands-on Robotics Technical Lead (AI & Manipulation) to lead the development of our next-generation AI based robotics products. This role is critical to driving the convergence of deep learning, robotics, perception, and real-world deployments. Your work will directly impact how machines understand, interact with, and adapt to the physical world.

What you will do:

• Own and drive the AI & Robotics roadmap, from R&D to deployment in real-world systems.

• Lead teams in developing models for vision, control, and decision-making (e.g., deep learning, classical control, sensor fusion).

• Architect and oversee implementation of real-time perception, manipulation, or motion planning algorithms.

• Build foundational models or modular AI components to scale across robotic platforms.

• Define and enforce engineering best practices for data collection, training pipelines, and model validation.

• Partner with Hardware, Product, and Supply Chain teams to deliver reliable systems with tight feedback loops.

• Evaluate and integrate state-of-the-art research; stay ahead of trends in robotics, AI, and simulation.

What we are looking for:

• 8+ years of experience in AI, robotics, or related domains.

• Proven experience shipping mission-critical AI-powered robotic systems or products (e.g., in automation, logistics, or manufacturing).

• Deep expertise in one or more of: computer vision, reinforcement learning, motion planning, control, or edge deployment.

• Fluency with modern ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow), robotic middleware (ROS2, DDS), and simulation tools (Isaac Sim, Gazebo, etc.).

• Strong understanding of systems integration — bridging AI, firmware, and mechanical systems.

• Track record of building and leading high-performing teams.

• PhD or MS in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

Nice to have:

• Experience in factory or industrial automation environments.

• Familiarity with real-time systems, sensor calibration, and hardware constraints.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary & equity

• Unlimited PTO

• Full Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k

• Daily meals provided with your own choice