
Founding Robotics Engineer
Job Description
This is a full-time, in-office opportunity to work at the cutting edge of robotics in unstructured real-world environments. If you thrive in a fast-paced startup environment and want to push the boundaries of robotics engineering, this role is for you.
Key Responsibilities
- Build out early-stage robot to work in real-world unstructured road environments
- Create motion and path planning algorithms for high-speed crack sealing
- Develop robust perception algorithms for real-time crack detection
- Implement sensor fusion algorithms for reliable localization and state estimation (encoders, IMU, cameras, etc.)
- Work with a team to deploy AI solutions in real-world applications, focusing on improving model performance
- Develop and implement novel approaches to model fine-tuning, optimization, and evaluation
- Optimize robot system-wide to hit engineering requirements across accuracy, speed, and reliability
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Math, Robotics, or relevant field
- 3-5 years at an early stage startup
- Experience with ROS/ROS2, Python, C++
- Expertise in one or more of the following core robotics competencies:
- Localization/mapping
- Perception
- Motion/path planning
- Motion control
- Simulation + sim-to-real
- Experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
- Experience with applied machine learning in a robotics context (image classification/segmentation preferred)
- Knowledge and experience with robot simulation (Gazebo, IsaacSim, etc.)
- Experience with containerization platforms such as Docker
- Knowledge and experience working with Jetson, Arduino
- Experience working cross-functionally across hardware and software environments
- Ability to rapidly prototype solutions, perform field testing, and iterate on software design
- Ability to quickly diagnose complex problems system-wide across multiple domains of robotics
Portfolios highly regarded
Interview Process
Recruiting Call
Assessment
Hiring Manager Interview
Onsite - Final
Optimize Your Resume for This Job
Get a match score and see exactly which keywords you're missing
Job Details
- Category
- Aerospace Engineering
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- San Francisco, CA, US
- Posted
- Apr 23, 2026, 09:40 PM
- Listed
- Mar 24, 2026, 04:27 PM
- Compensation
- $150,000 - $200,000 per year
About Pave Robotics
Part of the growing frontier tech ecosystem pushing the edges of what's possible.
More Roles at Pave Robotics
Similar Aerospace Engineering Roles



Found this role interesting?
Career Guides
Inside guide to Airbus Defence & Space careers: Ariane 6, Eurostar, Orion ESM programs, salary ranges across Europe, Graduate Programme, and hiring process.
Inside guide to Thales Alenia Space careers: Galileo, MetOp, SpaceRider programs, salary ranges, locations across France and Italy, hiring process, and work culture.
Practical guide to writing resumes for aerospace and space jobs: ATS optimization, keywords by role, translating experience from other industries, clearance listing, and cover letters.