Robotics Software Engineer

As a Robotics Software Engineer at Pickle, you will be responsible for bridging the gap between physical I/O systems and high-level applications. Your duties include programming devices like PLCs and motor controllers, characterizing and improving peripheral performance, developing Python scripts for automation and testing, and collaborating with hardware and software teams to design APIs. Your contributions will directly enhance the efficiency of our robotic systems.

To be considered for the Robotics Software Engineer role at Pickle, you should have at least 5 years of professional software development experience, with a strong focus on processing physical inputs and outputs in systems. Proficiency in Python and object-oriented programming is essential, along with the ability to debug using tools like oscilloscopes. A Bachelor or Master’s degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience, is also required.

Collaboration is key for a Robotics Software Engineer at Pickle. You’ll work alongside hardware teams to design robust APIs for our robotic systems while communicating effectively across different disciplines to enhance our overall development process. Your role includes participating in design and code reviews, which fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Pickle Robot prides itself on fostering a collaborative and innovative workplace culture where Robotics Software Engineers are encouraged to share ideas and contribute to projects. We value teamwork and open communication, giving you the opportunity to work closely with diverse teams, all while having access to state-of-the-art tools and resources to enhance your craft.

Working as a Robotics Software Engineer at Pickle comes with fantastic benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, unlimited vacation, and 401K contributions of 5% of your salary. We also provide travel supplies and other perks designed to make your work environment more enjoyable and productive, ensuring you can focus on what you do best.

In answering this question, focus on specific projects where you implemented object-oriented principles in robotics. Highlight how you designed classes, objects, and utilized inheritance or polymorphism to enhance code organization and flexibility. Be prepared to provide examples of challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

For this question, share a detailed anecdote demonstrating your problem-solving skills. Explain the issue, the steps you took to diagnose the problem, tools used (like oscilloscopes), and the ultimate resolution. Highlight your methodical approach and any collaboration with team members or vendors.

Discuss your collaborative process, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and understanding hardware capabilities. Talk about how you gather requirements, discuss potential challenges, and iterate on designs. Providing an example of a successful API you developed will strengthen your response.

Here, you can outline approaches such as analyzing bottlenecks in the code, leveraging profiling tools, and optimizing algorithms. Give a specific example where your optimizations led to measurable improvements in performance, ensuring you relate your strategies back to robotics.

Explain your typical process, which might include examining technical manuals, understanding capabilities, establishing communication with vendors, and developing necessary software interfaces. Having a detailed example of a past implementation where you faced challenges and overcame them will illustrate your expertise.

Emphasize the critical role of testing in ensuring quality and reliability. Discuss the various testing methodologies you employ, such as unit tests, integration tests, and system tests, and maybe mention any automated testing frameworks you use in Python, citing examples of how these have improved your workflow.

Highlight your commitment to writing maintainable code. Discuss how you incorporate SOLID principles into your development practices, providing examples such as keeping classes focused on a single responsibility or utilizing dependency injection. You can mention code reviews as a method of ensuring adherence to these principles.

This is your opportunity to showcase your accomplishments. Focus on how your contributions have led to tangible improvements in projects or systems. Include metrics or qualitative feedback if possible, and how these achievements have positioned you as a valuable team member.

Address your strategies for managing stress and maintaining productivity under pressure. Discuss your prioritization skills and time management techniques, along with any experiences where you successfully delivered results despite challenging circumstances.

Ensure your answer is tailored to Pickle’s mission and vision, highlighting your alignment with their goals in warehouse automation and robotics. Discuss personal motivation and enthusiasm for being part of a pioneering company that leverages technology to improve efficiency and safety.