Senior Software Engineer, Motion Planning

The Senior Software Engineer, Motion Planning at Ambi Robotics is responsible for developing essential robotics libraries and runtime application software that facilitate motion planning. This role involves rapidly creating, testing, and deploying software for planning applications across our robotics software engineering stack, aimed at improving warehouse operations. Engineers in this position will work closely with the software team and CTO to ensure the functionality and efficiency of our robotic systems.

To qualify for the Senior Software Engineer, Motion Planning role at Ambi Robotics, candidates should possess a BS in a related field with four years of experience in commercial robotics software development, or an MS/PhD with two years of experience. Proficiency in Python, Linux, and Docker is essential, while experience in C++ or Rust is a bonus. Familiarity with robotics software stacks, including motion planning, kinematics, and 3D geometry, is also required.

A Senior Software Engineer, Motion Planning at Ambi Robotics should be proficient in Python, Linux, and Docker. Experience with C++ or Rust is a valued advantage. Familiarity with software engineering practices such as version control with git and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) is crucial, along with an understanding of finite state machines and multiprocessing/multithreading.

Ideal candidates for the Senior Software Engineer, Motion Planning position at Ambi Robotics should demonstrate excitement for real-world impact in the robotics field, a bias toward action, and eagerness to tackle diverse challenges. They should be enthusiastic about owning all phases of the development process and possess a desire for career growth while championing the potential of advanced robotics technology.

Ambi Robotics offers an attractive benefits package for the Senior Software Engineer, Motion Planning role, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k plan with company matching, equity ownership, and unlimited PTO. Additional perks include partial work-from-home opportunities, access to a gym at headquarters, free parking, and complimentary lunches twice a week, ensuring a supportive work environment for all employees.

When asked about your experience with motion planning in robotics, be sure to highlight specific projects where you applied your skills. Discuss various algorithms you've implemented, such as A*, RRT, or Dijkstra's algorithm, and how they contributed to successful outcomes in previous roles. Demonstrating a solid understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects will show your readiness for the Senior Software Engineer, Motion Planning role.

To ensure code quality and reliability, detail your process for code reviews, testing strategies, and use of version control systems like git. Explain how you implement continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices to maintain code health and facilitate collaborative efforts. Offering specific examples will demonstrate your commitment to high-quality software development.

When discussing your experience working in teams on robotics projects, emphasize your roles in collaboration, decision-making, and problem-solving. It's beneficial to mention any experience acting as a tech lead or coordinating project management efforts. Show that you appreciate diverse skill sets and can communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

Interviewers may ask you about challenges faced in robotics software development to assess your problem-solving abilities. Share specific instances where you encountered obstacles, such as hardware limitations or algorithm inefficiencies, and explain how you tackled those problems. This not only demonstrates your technical skills but also your resilience and adaptability.

To address your methods for staying updated, share your engagement with industry publications, online courses, or tech communities. You could mention attending conferences or participating in workshops, along with following influential figures in the field. This shows your commitment to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of technology within the robotics sector.

Be prepared to discuss specific tools and frameworks you use for simulation and testing, such as ROS (Robot Operating System), Gazebo, or others relevant to motion planning. Explain how these tools aid in validating algorithms, conducting performance analyses, and refining your software before it goes live. This will show your practical knowledge and readiness for the Senior Software Engineer role.

When tackling debugging in robotics, outline your systematic approach for isolating issues. Describe methods you use to reproduce bugs, analyze logs, and test various components of the system independently. Providing examples of significant issues you resolved will demonstrate your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Discuss your relevant experience interacting with APIs and implementing networking protocols within robotics applications. Showcase any particular projects where you developed or integrated APIs for communication between various robotic components, highlighting your understanding of advanced networking principles and application software architecture.

When asked about task prioritization, describe your methods for managing workload, such as assessing project deadlines, resource availability, and team dependencies. Mention any tools or methodologies you use, such as Agile or Kanban frameworks, to keep projects on track. This demonstrates your organizational skills and ability to work efficiently under pressure.

When discussing your motivation for working in robotics, share what excites you about the technology and its potential to transform industries. Consider mentioning your desire to make a positive impact through innovative solutions while addressing logistical challenges in various sectors. This insight into your passion will resonate with employers looking for candidates who are genuinely engaged in their work.