Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Planning and Control

About Our Team

Chef Robotics is on a mission to accelerate the advent of intelligent machines in the physical world. As the rise of LLMs like ChatGPT has shown, AI has the potential to drive immense change. However, we believe AI’s biggest impact will be in the physical world, given industries like manufacturing, food, and transportation represent 90% of global GDP. We’re starting with food, with a goal to put an intelligent robot in every commercial kitchen in the world. We have signed multiple multi‑year contracts with various large food companies and are growing fast. We’re backed by investors like Kleiner Perkins, Construct, Bloomberg BETA and Promus Ventures. We have a great team, where you will be surrounded by talented engineers and tech leaders from companies like Cruise, Zoox, Google, Verb Surgical, Tesla, Nuro, Vicarious, Amazon Robotics, Strateos, Built Robotics, Facebook, Plenty, Yelp, and Microsoft.

About the Role

As a Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Planning and Control at Chef Robotics, you’ll lead the development of sophisticated motion planning and control systems that orchestrate complex food preparation workflows. You’ll be responsible for designing and implementing high‑level planning algorithms that coordinate multi‑step recipes, optimize robot trajectories for efficiency and safety, and ensure smooth execution across dynamic kitchen environments. This role requires expertise in motion planning, trajectory optimization, and real‑time control systems that can adapt to the fast‑paced demands of commercial food production.

As a small team, we are focused on building a positive in‑office culture. We are looking for individuals who are available to work onsite at the office five days a week and can work start‑up‑oriented hours.

Advanced Motion Planning & Trajectory Optimization

• Lead the development of classical and learning‑based motion planning algorithms for complex food preparation workflows
• Design and implement trajectory optimization systems that balance speed, safety, and precision across multi‑step recipes
• Develop robust path planning algorithms that handle dynamic obstacles and changing kitchen environments
• Create adaptive planning systems that can replan in real‑time based on changing conditions or recipe modifications
• Implement global and local planning strategies for efficient task sequencing and execution

Control Systems & Real‑Time Execution

Recipe Planning & Task Coordination

Performance Analysis & Optimization

System Architecture & Integration

Required Qualifications – Technical Expertise

Domain Knowledge

Personal Attributes

Desired Qualifications

Key Projects You’ll Lead

$150,000 - $260,000 a year

Chef is an early‑stage startup where equity is a major part of the compensation package. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

In addition to salary and early‑stage equity, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, commuter benefits, flexible paid time off (PTO), catered lunch, and 401(k) matching.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizen status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, age, pregnancy status, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability, or any other protected status.

Multiple studies have found that a higher percentage of women and BIPOC candidates won’t apply if they don’t meet every listed qualification. Chef values candidates of all backgrounds. If you find yourself excited by our mission but you don’t check every box in the description, we encourage you to apply anyway!

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