Staff Robotics Engineer

S

Swift HR Solutions

Staff Robotics Engineer

Northbrook, IL
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    About LightSpeed

    https://lightspeed.build/

    LightSpeed Build Technologies is revolutionizing the construction industry through AI-powered robotics. Our flagship systems—BRUTE for automated wall panel manufacturing and DEX for on-site collaborative construction—are addressing the global housing crisis by delivering unprecedented speed, precision, and affordability in homebuilding.

    Position Overview

    As a Senior Robotics Engineer, you will design, develop, and deploy the core robotic control systems powering LightSpeed's construction automation platforms. You will work hands-on with industrial robots, developing motion planning algorithms, real-time control software, and sensor integration systems that enable our BRUTE and DEX platforms to achieve sub-millimeter precision in demanding construction environments. This role demands deep robotics expertise, strong software skills, and the ability to bridge the gap between simulation and real-world deployment.

    Key Responsibilities

    Robotics Software Development

    • Develop and optimize ROS2-based control architectures for multi-robot coordination in manufacturing cells
    • Implement motion planning and trajectory optimization using MoveIt2 and custom planners for complex assembly tasks
    • Design real-time pose synchronization systems for coordinated multi-robot operations
    • Build and maintain robot driver interfaces for Hyundai industrial robots and collaborative robot arms
    • Develop collision avoidance and safety monitoring systems for human-robot collaborative environments

    Simulation & Validation

    • Build high-fidelity simulation environments using MuJoCo, IsaacSIM, and Gazebo for system validation before deployment
    • Develop digital twin frameworks linking physical robot cells to simulation models for predictive analysis
    • Create automated testing pipelines for robotics software using hardware-in-the-loop simulation
    • Validate control algorithms in simulation before deploying to production robot cells

    Sensor Integration & Perception

    • Integrate and calibrate sensor systems including LIDAR, depth cameras, force/torque sensors, and encoders
    • Develop sensor fusion algorithms for precise robot localization and workpiece tracking
    • Implement real-time quality monitoring using sensor feedback during automated assembly operations
    • Design calibration procedures and drift compensation for production environments

    System Integration & Deployment

    • Deploy robotic control systems to production cells and troubleshoot field issues
    • Integrate robot control with LightSpeed Overwatch monitoring platform via Python/FastAPI
    • Optimize robot cycle times, path planning, and operational efficiency in production
    • Support scaling from current cell deployments to multi-site operations

    Required Qualifications

    Core Robotics Expertise

    • 5+ years of hands-on robotics engineering with industrial or collaborative robot systems
    • Deep proficiency in ROS2 architecture, node lifecycle management, and real-time communication patterns
    • Hands-on experience with MoveIt2 or MoveIt Pro for motion planning and manipulation
    • Strong understanding of robot kinematics, dynamics, and control theory
    • Experience with physics-based robotics simulators: MuJoCo, IsaacSIM, or Gazebo

    Software Development

    • Strong programming in Python and C++ for real-time robotics applications
    • Experience with real-time operating systems and deterministic control loops
    • Proficiency with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and modern development workflows
    • Understanding of industrial networking protocols (EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP)

    Preferred Qualifications

    • MS or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
    • Experience with industrial platforms: Hyundai, FANUC, ABB, KUKA, or Universal Robots
    • Background in construction technology, automated manufacturing, or prefabrication
    • Experience with real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT) and low-latency control systems
    • Contributions to open-source robotics projects (ROS2, MoveIt, or related)
    • Published research or patents in robotics, motion planning, or control systems

    Why Join LightSpeed

    • Solve hard robotics problems: multi-robot coordination, sub-millimeter precision, real-world deployment at scale
    • Direct impact: your control systems power robots that build homes and address the housing crisis
    • Cutting-edge stack: ROS2, MuJoCo, IsaacSIM, MoveIt2, and custom industrial automation
    • Hands-on culture: work directly with physical robots in our manufacturing facility
    • Competitive compensation including salary, equity participation, and comprehensive benefits

    Employment Relationship

    This position is at-will, meaning either you or the Company may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.

    Equal Opportunity

    LightSpeed Build Technologies is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences.