Robotics Software Engineer

Persona AI is developing and commercializing rugged, multi-purpose humanoid robots that perform real work. Persona’s founding team has a decades-long history in humanoid robotics, bionics, and product development delivering robust hardware that has touched the stars, worked miles below the surface of the ocean, roamed Disney Parks, and has even been featured on a US postage stamp. Our mission is focused squarely on shipping beautiful, reliable products at massive scale, while building a customer-focused team to achieve these aims.

We're looking for exceptional people who dream big, thrive on challenges, and love seeing their designs come to life. We are primarily interested in candidates who have shipped products in the fields of autonomy, robotics, consumer products, medical devices, automotive, or aerospace. We also value advanced degrees and deep expertise.

As an inaugural engineer at Persona, you will have an incredible opportunity to shape the design of Persona’s humanoid robots, while also helping set the culture of the company. If you're passionate about cutting-edge technology and want to be part of a world-class team we'd love to hear from you.

Your Role:

• Lead the integration and optimization of diverse robot subsystems, with a strong emphasis on ensuring smooth interaction between manipulation, perception, and control.

• Collaborate closely with perception and manipulation specialists to develop and implement integrated solutions for tasks such as visual servoing, object tracking, and dexterous manipulation.

• Design and develop the core software architecture and robot API, ensuring modularity, scalability, and maintainability.

• Implement robust communication protocols and data exchange mechanisms between various robot subsystems (perception, manipulation, control).

• Join a team developing cutting-edge technology to improve the safety of humanoid robots in manufacturing.

• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in robotics software and systems architecture.

We’re Looking For:

• BS, MS, or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field.

• 7+ years of experience (5+ with advanced degree) in developing robotics software platforms or related systems.

• Solid understanding of core robotics principles, including kinematics, dynamics, controls, estimation, and system identification.

• Proficiency in C++, Python, and relevant robotics middleware (e.g., ROS, LCM, DDS).

• Experience developing and maintaining robot APIs and communication protocols.

• Deep understanding of operating systems concepts and real-time systems.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced startup environment.

Preferred or Bonus Qualifications:

• Strong background in software architecture and systems design.

• Experience with embedded systems and real-time operating systems.

• Experience with containerization and deployment technologies (e.g., Docker).

• Experience with automated testing and continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD).

• Experience with simulation environments for testing system integration.

• Experience in a humanoid robot startup environment.

Why join Persona AI?

• You'll shape technology that's redefining the possibilities of robotics and human interaction.

• Work alongside passionate teammates who value diversity, creativity, and continuous learning.

• Enjoy full access to advanced prototyping tools, labs, and the freedom to experiment and innovate.

• We offer competitive compensation, excellent benefits, flexible work environment, and equity opportunities.

Not sure if you meet all the listed qualifications? That’s okay!
We encourage you to apply anyway. Our needs are constantly evolving, and we're always looking for talented individuals who can grow with us. You might be exactly who we’re looking for — even if it’s for a role we haven’t thought of yet.

Persona AI embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.