Principal Robotic Systems Engineer

About this role:

Pickle is seeking a visionary and hands-on Principal Robotic System Engineer / Architect to lead the architectural strategy and design of our robotic systems. You will be responsible for defining and evolving the core software infrastructure that powers Pickle’s next-generation autonomous unloading robots, working at the intersection of robotics, real-time systems, AI, and scalable deployment.

This role is ideal for someone with deep experience in robotics systems design, who can balance technical vision with pragmatic execution, and thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

• Architect and evolve Pickle’s robot software platform, driving reliability, modularity, scalability, and maintainability.
• Lead systems requirement definition and integration across hardware, embedded controls, cloud services, and operator interfaces.
• Design for real-time performance, fault tolerance, and reliability in production environments.
• Provide technical mentorship and code-level guidance to software and robotics teams.
• Collaborate with mechatronics, controls, and industrial automation teams to ensure seamless robotic operations and fleet-level orchestration.
• Design real-time monitoring, logging, and remote diagnostics for production-scale robotic fleets.
• Support and contribute for failure analysis and fault recovery mechanisms to enhance uptime and performance.
• Provide technical leadership and cross-functional collaboration across engineering teams.

• 10+ years in software engineering with at least 5+ years in robotics systems or autonomous systems.
• Deep experience in designing and scaling complex software systems for real-time robotics applications.
• Proven leadership in shipping production-grade robotics platforms in manufacturing, logistics, autonomous vehicles, or related domains.
• Strong grasp of robotics architecture patterns: real-time control loops, sensor fusion, SLAM, and distributed systems.
• Expertise in C++, Python, and system-level development (RTOS, Linux, embedded Linux).Extensive experience with ROS2, DDS, and real-time communication protocols.
• Strong background in systems architecture, software abstraction layers, and interface design.
• Familiar with cloud infrastructure (e.g., Google cloud,AWS, Azure) and edge-device orchestration.
• Experience with software reliability engineering, including logging, telemetry, debugging, and automated testing frameworks.
• Experience with AI/ML systems integration into real-time robotic applications.
• Hands-on experience scaling robot fleets in industrial or warehouse environments.
• Familiarity with safety standards (e.g., ISO 10218, IEC 61508) and compliance in robotic deployments.
• Contributions to open-source robotics software or published research in robotic software architecture.
• Systems-level thinker who thrives on solving cross-disciplinary problems.
• Passionate about elegant software design in complex physical systems.
• Collaborative, communicative, and energized by leading a tight-knit team of expert engineers.
• Adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity in an R&D-focused environment.
• Willing and able to work from our Cambridge/Charlestown, MA office at least three times per week.

About Pickle Robot

Pickle Robot is a pioneer in Physical AI for supply chain applications. Today Pickle robots autonomously unload trucks, trailers, and import containers at human-scale or better performance. The alternative is manual work that is difficult, dirty, sometimes dangerous, and increasingly hard to staff at distribution centers around the globe. Pickle Robot is laser focused on automating truck unloading using generative AI, machine learning, computer vision, advanced sensors, and industrial robotics to deliver engineered products customers rely on. Pickle Robot Unload Systems work alongside people on loading docks to make the work safer, faster, and more efficient. Pickle robots are physical AI that unload trucks.

Pickle provides best-in-class benefits including health, dental, & vision insurance; unlimited vacation, along with all federal and state holidays; 401K contributions of 5% your salary, travel supplies, and other items to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive.