www.offworld.ai

Head of Robotics Software

Based in Pasadena, CA

OffWorld is a robotics startup working on developing a mobile robotic workforce for heavy industrial jobs on Earth, Moon, asteroids & Mars. OffWorld was founded by an experienced engineering team drawing on decades of tackling formidable engineering challenges at NASA, ESA, NOAA, Maxar Technologies, CERN, Reaction Engines, SAFRAN, Surrey Satellites and Cisco. OffWorld’s first challenge is developing and maturing a modular robotic system for extreme environments on Earth. Our robots will go deeper underground and farthest on Earth than humans can, eliminate the need for humans to work in life-threatening environments in mining, construction, tunneling and other dangerous industries, and dramatically reduce the environmental footprint and cost of operations in key economies on Earth and beyond.

We have designed a modular robotic architecture that focuses on maximizing the commonality and reusability across components for fast deployment and optimization. Our robotic systems combine sensor information, cutting edge classical/machine learning (ML) algorithms and a robotics real-time system platform for control, decision making and execution.

OffWorld is seeking an experienced and talented technical leader to become the Head of Robotics Software. You will lead a fast-moving team of talented robotics engineers working to create advanced robotics software and controls systems. You will manage and ensure technical excellence in domain expertise areas in controls, perception/SLAM. Path planning, computer vision, robotics simulation, Hardware-In-The-Loop and Software-In-The-Loop testing. Machine Learning algorithm integration experience is the field of robotics strongly sought out. A successful candidate must have strong theoretical and practical experience in several of the following areas: control theory, sensor fusion, filtering, arm positioning and control, forward and inverse kinematics, computer vision, ROS, motion planning and collision avoidance, SLAM and autonomous navigation. Experience in software project management is also required, including converting system-level requirements into software tasks, setting workplans and timelines, coordinating with team-members to track progress and meet target timelines.

You will provide top level team and technical leadership helping grow subject matter expert teams in your group in the execution of multiple programs. Your work will be instrumental in the company's fast paced growth. Demonstrated ability to lead the work of a team along with the required communication skills to effectively interact with the overall organization is a must.

To hit the ground running, you need:

• MSc or PhD in Robotics, Controls, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent with at least 7 years of experience in the industry.
• Practical experience implementing robotic software systems through production on real robotic systems.
• Must be a subject matter expert in one of the following areas: control theory, motion planning, perception and must have the ability to critically evaluate the selection of an algorithm for the given application in that domain
• Theoretical and practical experience in several of the following areas: control theory, sensor fusion, filtering, arm positioning and control, forward and inverse kinematics, computer vision and perception, ROS, motion planning and collision avoidance, SLAM and autonomous navigation.
• Strong practical experience in the implementation of one or more of the following: controls systems for complex industrial/robotic applications, motion planning and collision avoidance algorithms, including dynamic object detection and avoidance in particular in GPS denied and/or unstructured environments, perception/SLAM for mobile robotics, computer vision for robotics applications, end to end robotic simulation pipelines. Must have knowledge of the state-of-the-art approaches for one of these problems.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate different approaches for a given problem and provide a recommendation on the implementation approach, taking into account reliability and ease of implementation.
• Practical experience with the design and implementation of end-to-end robotic systems.
• Experience in software project management, software design, version control, and gitflow
• Strong python and C++ programming skills.
• Experience in the design and implementation of classical computer vision algorithms in Python/C++, in particular in the development and implementation of computer vision pipelines in Python/C++ using Open CV is a plus.
• Working understanding of command-line Linux or similar operating system, MATLAB, Simulink, Rviz, and Gazebo.
• Machine learning knowledge, in particular in the area of deep learning and reinforcement learning is a plus.
• Experience leading technical programs and teams.
• Ability to effectively collaborate and communicate while maintaining a friendly, safe and accepting environment.
• Nothing-is-impossible attitude.

In a nutshell, we offer the:

• Opportunity to sink your teeth into cutting edge industrial robotics problems
• Opportunity to contribute to the mission of transforming how we mine on Earth today and how we will one day mine on the Moon, asteroids & Mars
• Opportunity to work with a kind, brilliant and supportive team
• Opportunity to join the OffWorld team if
  • You are as crazy-excited about the mission as we are
  • You’ve demonstrated you are The Right Stuff

Expected Compensation:

• $180,000 - $250,000/annual salary + stock awards + benefits

Our benefits package includes the following:

• Robust medical plan offerings with 0 to limited paycheck deductions
• Dental and vision insurance
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• 401K Match

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

OffWorld is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

OffWorld is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

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