> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/553384-senior-robotics-manipulation-researcher](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/553384-senior-robotics-manipulation-researcher). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Senior Robotics Manipulation Researcher

- **Company:** AUTO UNION, LTD.
- **Location:** Menlo Park, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $90,000.0 - $180,000.0
- **Contract:** Internship / Graduate position
- **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), Python (Programming Language), Software Engineering, Software Systems, Reinforcement Learning, Stable Diffusion
- **Published:** June 14, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=99d89931112b496e

## About the Role

Do you have experience in Software engineering?, Do you have a Master's degree?, * Education: PhD or MS in Robotics, CS, or related field with significant industry experience.

 * Experience: 3+ years of hands-on experience shipping code for physical robots (not just simulation).
 * Technical Expertise: Deep expertise in manipulation planning, imitation learning, and reinforcement learning.
 * Engineering Excellence: Production-level proficiency in Python and C++ with a track record of building robust, maintainable systems.

## Description

We are looking for a core technical leader to join our tight-knit team and help build the future of physical AI.The RoleThis is a high-impact, high-ownership role for a builder who wants to shape our technical roadmap alongside the leadership team. You will work directly with the founding team to architect the core systems that define our robot's capabilities. We are looking for someone who values significant equity participation and wants to capture the upside of the value they create. You won't just be an employee; you will be a key architect of our success.

What You'll Do

 * Define the Stack: Work directly with leadership to architect the algorithms and software systems that will power our entire fleet of robots.
 * Deploy Robust Manipulation Algorithms: Design and implement algorithms for complex bimanual tasks (pick/place, insertion, tool use) that don't just work in the lab but perform reliably in dynamic industrial environments.
 * Develop learning-based robot behaviors using approaches such as Diffusion Policy, imitation learning, and reinforcement learning to improve performance, robustness, and recovery.
 * Contribute to end-to-end robot autonomy systems that connect perception, semantic task understanding, and low-level robot control.
 * Production-Grade Engineering: Write, review, and maintain mission-critical code for our core robotics stack, establishing the engineering standards for the entire company.
 * Optimize & Scale: Continuously profile robotic software to maximize throughput and reliability across our growing fleet of deployed robots.


## Related Videos

- [Robots are coming into the wild! Full-Stack Robotics Engineers, be ready!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/479-robots-are-coming-into-the-wild-full-stack-robotics-engineers-be-ready)
- [Official Opening of WeAreDevelopers World Congress 2026](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100000-official-opening-of-wearedevelopers-world-congress-2026)
- [Your imaginations is (no longer) the limit: how Generative AI empowers people to be creative](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/741-your-imaginations-is-no-longer-the-limit-how-generative-ai-empowers-people-to-be-creative)
- [Rethinking Intelligence: AI, Accessibility, and the Future of Inclusive Work - Artur Ortega](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1377-rethinking-intelligence-ai-accessibility-and-the-future-of-inclusive-work-artur-ortega)
- [Robots Among us: Advances in AI for Everyday Androids](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100230-robots-among-us-advances-in-ai-for-everyday-androids)
- [Modern Data Architectures need Software Engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1030-modern-data-architectures-need-software-engineering)

## Related Articles

- [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer)
- [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology)
- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts)
- [What is Agentic Programming and Why Should Developers Care?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/625-what-is-agentic-programming-and-why-should-developers-care)
- [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift)