Persona AI · 23 hours ago
Robotics Software Engineer, Manipulation
Greater Houston
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
7+ years expPersona AI is developing and commercializing rugged, multi-purpose humanoid robots that perform real work. As a Robotics Software Engineer specializing in manipulation, you will design and implement advanced algorithms for humanoid robots, optimize manipulation pipelines, and work closely with the machine learning team to enhance robotic capabilities.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Robotics
Responsibilities
Design and implement advanced, dexterous manipulation algorithms for humanoid robots with high DOF and multi-fingered hands
Develop and optimize the manipulation pipeline, encompassing perception, grasping, trajectory optimization, motion planning, and control. Tackle complex tasks such as precise grasping, dual-arm manipulation, and in-hand object manipulation
Implement robust control strategies for precise and dexterous manipulation, including force/motion control and visual/tactile servoing
Integrate the manipulation pipeline with the humanoid robot's whole-body controller and contribute to loco-manipulation development
Develop digital-twins of the manipulation scenes for algorithm development. Utilize simulators such as MuJoCo and Isaac Sim
Conduct rigorous testing in both simulated and real-world environments
Work closely with the machine learning team to help train and deploy models for advanced manipulation tasks
Stay informed about the latest research and advancements in manipulation, leveraging both traditional methods and deep learning-based approaches
Qualification
Required
BS, MS, or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field
7+ years of experience (5+ with advanced degree) in robotics with a strong emphasis on control and manipulation of robotics/humanoid arms
Strong background in motion planning, control theory, and optimization
Demonstrated expertise in implementing advanced manipulation algorithms for tasks such as pick-and-place, bin picking, door opening, etc
Proficiency in C++, Python, and relevant robotics libraries (e.g., MoveIt!, Drake, OpenRAVE)
Experience with trajectory optimization libraries (e.g., IPOPT, SNOPT, qpOASES)
Proficiency with modern deep learning techniques for manipulation
Experience with computer vision algorithms, sensors, point clouds, segmentation and object detection
Familiar with ROS, LCM, or other middleware for robotic systems
Preferred
Experience in developing algorithms for contact modeling and force/torque estimation with a focus on tactile sensing and feedback for dexterous tasks
Experience with machine learning for dexterous manipulation, including learning-based grasp strategies, behavior cloning and reinforcement learning
Publications in top-tier robotics conferences focusing on dexterous manipulation
Experience in a humanoid robot startup environment
Benefits
Competitive compensation
Excellent benefits
Flexible work environment
Equity opportunities
Company
Persona AI
Persona AI is a robotics company that provides robotic solutions.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$27M2025-05-07Pre Seed· $27M
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