About Our Team
Chef Robotics is on a mission to accelerate the advent of intelligent machines in the physical world. As the rise of LLMs like ChatGPT has shown, AI has the potential to drive immense change. However, we believe AI’s biggest impact will be in the physical world, given industries like manufacturing, food, and transportation represent 90% of global GDP. We're starting with food, with a goal to put an intelligent robot in every commercial kitchen in the world. We have signed multiple multi-year contracts with various large food companies and we are growing fast. We're backed by investors like Kleiner Perkins, Construct, Bloomberg BETA and Promus Ventures. We have a great team, where you will be surrounded by talented engineers and tech leaders from companies like Cruise, Zoox, Google, Verb Surgical, Tesla, Nuro, Vicarious, Amazon Robotics, Strateos, Built Robotics, Facebook, Plenty, Yelp, and Microsoft.
About the Role
As a Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Planning and Control at Chef Robotics, you'll lead the development of sophisticated motion planning and control systems that orchestrate complex food preparation workflows. You'll be responsible for designing and implementing high-level planning algorithms that coordinate multi-step recipes, optimize robot trajectories for efficiency and safety, and ensure smooth execution across dynamic kitchen environments. This role requires expertise in motion planning, trajectory optimization, and real-time control systems that can adapt to the fast-paced demands of commercial food production.
As a small team, we are focused on building a positive in-office culture. We are looking for individuals who are available to work onsite at the office five days a week and can work start-up-oriented hours.
Advanced Motion Planning & Trajectory OptimizationLead the development of classical and learning-based motion planning algorithms for complex food preparation workflowsDesign and implement trajectory optimization systems that balance speed, safety, and precision across multi-step recipesDevelop robust path planning algorithms that handle dynamic obstacles and changing kitchen environmentsCreate adaptive planning systems that can replan in real-time based on changing conditions or recipe modificationsImplement global and local planning strategies for efficient task sequencing and executionControl Systems & Real-Time ExecutionDesign and implement advanced control algorithms for precise robot motion during food preparation tasksDevelop real-time control systems that ensure smooth trajectory execution with appropriate safety constraintsCreate feedback control loops that adapt to unexpected situations and maintain system stabilityImplement model predictive control and other advanced control techniques for optimal performanceDesign fail-safe mechanisms and emergency stop procedures for safe operation in commercial environmentsRecipe Planning & Task CoordinationDevelop high-level planning systems that translate recipes into executable robot commands and motion sequencesCreate intelligent task scheduling algorithms that optimize workflow efficiency across multiple preparation stepsDesign coordination systems for managing complex multi-ingredient recipes with timing constraintsImplement planning algorithms that can handle recipe variations and ingredient substitutionsDevelop systems for dynamic replanning when recipe modifications or interruptions occurPerformance Analysis & OptimizationAnalyze planning and control performance across different recipes and operational conditionsOptimize trajectories and control parameters for maximum throughput while maintaining food quality and safetyDevelop metrics and monitoring systems to evaluate planning efficiency and execution accuracyCreate data collection and analysis pipelines to continuously improve planning and control algorithmsImplement performance benchmarking systems for planning and control subsystemsSystem Architecture & IntegrationContribute to overall robotics software architecture design with focus on planning and control subsystemsDesign clean interfaces between planning/control algorithms and perception, manipulation, and execution systemsLead integration of planning systems with real-time control and safety monitoring componentsEstablish software engineering standards and best practices for planning and control codeMentor junior engineers and drive technical decision-making for planning and control initiativesRequired Qualifications - Technical ExpertiseBS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field7+ years of professional experience in robotics software development with focus on planning and controlExpert-level proficiency in Python and/or C++ with strong software engineering fundamentalsDeep understanding of motion planning algorithms including sampling-based, optimization-based, and learning-based approachesExtensive experience with trajectory optimization, path planning, and trajectory smoothing techniquesProven experience leading and shipping complex robotics planning and control projectsStrong background with real-time control systems and feedback control designDomain KnowledgeAdvanced knowledge of robotic motion planning including RRT, PRM, and optimization-based planning methodsExperience with trajectory optimization techniques and numerical optimization methodsUnderstanding of control theory including PID, model predictive control, and adaptive control strategiesKnowledge of robot dynamics, kinematics, and constraint-based planningExperience with real-time systems and deterministic control loop implementationPersonal AttributesExcellent mathematical skills, especially with geometry, optimization, control theory, and linear algebraStrong problem-solving abilities with systematic approach to complex planning and control challengesLeadership experience with ability to mentor junior engineers and drive technical initiativesComfort with working in a fast-paced startup environment with startup-oriented hoursCommitment to working onsite five days a week to contribute to positive in-office culturePassion for robotics and food automation technologyDesired QualificationsStartup experience with track record of shipping working products under tight deadlinesRobotics research experience, including publications in motion planning, control, or related fieldsExperience with the robotics tech stack including Linux, ROS, OpenCV, CUDAKnowledge of calibration, state estimation, and sensor fusion for planning and controlExperience with basic mechatronics and electronics relevant to control systemsBackground in manufacturing automation, food production, or industrial roboticsExperience with machine learning approaches to motion planning and controlKnowledge of multi-robot coordination and task allocation algorithmsKey Projects You'll LeadDeveloping next-generation recipe planning systems for complex multi-step food preparationImplementing advanced trajectory optimization frameworks for high-speed, precise motionCreating adaptive planning algorithms that handle dynamic kitchen environmentsLeading integration of planning and control systems with perception and manipulation subsystemsEstablishing planning and control testing frameworks for production deployment validationEqual Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizen status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, age, pregnancy status, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability, or any other protected status.
Multiple studies have found that a higher percentage of women and BIPOC candidates won't apply if they don't meet every listed qualification. Chef values candidates of all backgrounds. If you find yourself excited by our mission but you don't check every box in the description, we encourage you to apply anyway!
