Robotics Algorithm Engineer

Hellbender Inc. is a Pennsylvania Benefit Corporation who partners with innovators to mature their Artificial Intelligence enabled computing sensors and produce their solutions onshore at prototype to high volumes. Hellbender is intentionally forming an inclusive work environment and is committed to uplifting the historically marginalized identities including veterans, women, trans and underrepresented races in our community and industry.

About the Role

We're looking for a Robotics Algorithm Engineer to design, implement, and optimize the algorithms that power our AI computer vision systems. You'll work at the intersection of software engineering and applied mathematics, translating theoretical models into robust, real-time solutions that run on physical hardware.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement algorithms for motion planning, trajectory optimization, and robotic control (e.g., D*, PRM, MPC, GCS, graph planners, sampling planners, trajectory optimization, learned neural planners, etc.)
• Develop perception pipelines including SLAM, sensor fusion, object detection, and localization using LiDAR, Event, frame, and stereo cameras, IMUs, RADARs, and other sensors (e.g. SLAM, SFM, EFK, UKF, graph solvers, OpenCV, etc.)
• Build and refine kinematic and dynamic models for robotic manipulators, mobile platforms, or multi-body systems
• Optimize deep learning and classical CV algorithms for real-time inference on embedded/edge hardware (e.g., GPUs, NPUs, FPGAs)
• Validate and refine algorithms through physical hardware in the loop testing before product deployment
• Profile and debug latency, throughput, and accuracy tradeoffs across the perception-to-control pipeline
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to integrate algorithms into full robotic systems
• Analyze test data to debug performance issues and improve system reliability and safety
• Document technical designs, experiments, and results for internal and external stakeholders

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience developing robotics algorithms in a research or production environment
• Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python
• Solid foundation in linear algebra, probability/statistics, and control theory
• Experience with ROS/ROS2 or comparable robotics middleware
• Hands-on experience with at least one of: motion planning, SLAM, computer vision, or sensor fusion
• Experience testing and validating algorithms on physical robotic hardware
• Due to the nature of Hellbender’s funding, this position requires US citizenship or Permanent Resident status

Benefits

• 401(k) with 5% Safe Harbor Contribution by Hellbender
• 100% of Health, Dental, and Vision insurance premiums for employees and their families paid by Hellbender
• 7.5 weeks total Paid time off
• Profit Sharing (through 401k)
• Hybrid work environment & flexible work schedule

Pay

Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.

Work Location

Pittsburgh