Staff Robotics Engineer

About the role

Graphcore is seeking a Staff Robotics Engineer to spearhead the technical strategy for robotic automation systems utilized in data center operations. In this role, you will oversee projects from their initial research and development stages through to fully operational deployments. Collaboration will be key, as you will work closely with internal teams, SoftBank Robotics, SoftBank Group affiliates, and various external partners. The systems you will work on include robotic manipulation, material transportation, inspection processes, rack and server handling, and autonomous mobile robots.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and define technical strategies to address complex challenges in robotics automation, influencing partner roadmaps along the way.
• Facilitate collaboration across various teams, including robotics, data center operations, internal engineering, SoftBank Group, and third-party organizations to implement scalable autonomous solutions.
• Provide mentorship to engineers within SoftBank Group and partner organizations on best practices in mechatronics, without the responsibilities of direct management.
• Play a key role in project planning, estimation, and ensuring timely milestone completion.
• Establish and oversee verification and validation processes, which may include simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), site validation, and field deployment.
• Conduct troubleshooting and root-cause analysis across software, control systems, mechanical components, and electrical systems.
• Collaborate with partners to iterate on end effectors, hardware interfaces, and robotic subsystems.
• Work alongside SoftBank Group affiliates and third parties to develop scalable software infrastructure, device management systems, and protocols for fleet coordination.
• Transition research and development feasibility studies into fully integrated production systems.
• Evaluate new technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance robotics capabilities and improve engineering productivity.
• Produce clear technical documentation and effectively communicate decisions to a diverse range of stakeholders.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in automation or equipment engineering, with a focus on mechatronic subsystems and modular machine design.
• Proven experience in transitioning robotic or automated systems from prototype or R&D phases to production or field deployment.
• Practical experience with material handling systems, automated equipment, or production-ready robotic solutions.
• Knowledge of 3D localization or VLM-based object detection techniques, including perception and segmentation.
• Experience in conducting FAT/SAT validation and managing technical deliverables in collaboration with partners and manufacturers.
• Proficiency in debugging across the entire stack, including PLC logic, high-level programming in C# or Python, and intricate mechanical and electrical hardware.
• Familiarity with robotics frameworks and middleware such as ROS/ROS 2 and IsaacSIM for modeling robotic interactions and path planning.
• A solid understanding of robotics fundamentals, including perception, localization, mapping, planning, and control.
• Demonstrated capability to lead technical projects and influence engineering direction through expertise and collaboration.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication abilities for effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• A degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Mathematics, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

Nice to have

• Experience in applying machine learning or AI techniques within robotic systems.
• Familiarity with simulation environments and digital twin technologies.
• Knowledge of computer vision, sensor fusion, or reinforcement learning techniques.
• Experience in deploying robotics applications in cloud, edge, or embedded environments.
• Familiarity with GPU acceleration, high-performance computing, or AI infrastructure.
• Contributions to open-source robotics projects or involvement in technical communities.
• A background in research-intensive or advanced technology settings.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in ROS/ROS 2
• Experienced with IsaacSIM
• Knowledgeable in PLC logic
• Proficient in C# and Python
• Familiar with 3D localization techniques
• Experienced in VLM-based object detection
• Knowledgeable in FAT/SAT validation processes
• Skilled in hardware-in-the-loop testing

Practical notes

• This role may necessitate occasional travel to partner, manufacturing, laboratory, or deployment sites, including collaboration across APAC time zones.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), disability and life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, commuter benefits, wellness services, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Graphcore offers flexible work arrangements and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during the interview process.