Third Wave Automation · 15 hours ago
Robotics Engineer
Union City, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$168K/yr - $360K/yr
5+ years expThird Wave Automation is a rapidly growing startup focused on cutting-edge machine learning and robotics technology. They are seeking experienced Robotics Engineers to enhance their automation stack for forklifts, driving product maturity and scalability while solving complex challenges in infrastructure-free navigation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Industrial AutomationMachine LearningRobotics
No H1B
Responsibilities
Build in an AI first environment: Leverage your experience with AI-assisted tools (e.g. Cursor, Gemini, GitHub Copilot, etc.) to accelerate the SDLC, from rapid prototyping to automated test generation
Take the Lead on Critical Features: From initial concept to full-scale deployment, you'll own the design and implementation of core automation enhancements. Your work will directly translate into improved efficiency, safety, and reliability for our customers
Solve Uncharted Problems: Leverage your deep expertise in classical robotics, planning, SLAM, and statistical data fusion to tackle the next generation of challenges in infrastructure-free navigation. You will be a hands-on developer, shaping new features that will set the industry standard
Drive Product Maturity and Scalability: As a core contributor, you will enhance vehicle and fleet performance by creating quantifiable improvements. Your insights will be crucial in ensuring our technology is robust enough to support our rapid growth and ambitious deployment goals
Influence Our Strategic Direction: As a key member of a small, empowered team, you will not just execute on a roadmap; you will help build it. Your deep understanding of real-world robotic systems will be a guiding force for our strategic planning and future product development
Lead from the Front: Beyond your individual contributions, you will provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and contribute original, high-impact ideas that elevate our entire engineering organization
Qualification
Required
Degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative discipline
Minimum of 5 years of hands-on robotics experience; final leveling and compensation will be determined by the depth of your technical expertise, demonstrated ability to lead complex architectural initiatives, and overall alignment with our mission
Track record of bringing key features from ideation to deployment
Strong software development skills that encourage code reuse among researchers and ability to write efficient, clean, and reusable code (C++ and Python)
Fluency with AI-assisted development (e.g., Cursor, Copilot, LLMs) to augment your personal competency in creating, testing and deploying solutions
Fluency with robotics frameworks (e.g., ROS/ROS2) and their application in real-world systems
A strong foundation in computational geometry, sensor processing (LiDAR, Vision), and gracefully handling real-world noise and uncertainty
Experience with motion planning algorithms, vehicle dynamics, and/or control systems and the ability to work features and resolve issues across these disciplines
Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical ideas to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders
Preferred
An advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Robotics or a related quantitative field
Experience with perception systems and their integration into planning pipelines
A strong understanding of product development processes for mission-critical systems
A proven history of providing technical leadership and mentoring junior engineers
Experience with supporting shipping products
Experience in safety systems and satisfying certification requirements (e.g., ISO 3691, ISO 13849, CE Marking, etc.)
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits. Health, Dental, Vision, and a 401k matching program, to boot!
Flexible working schedule. Be productive when you work best.
Show & Tell. We love to learn from one another, and see the cool stuff everyone is working on!
Meals are covered. Lunch is provided every day, and dinner for those evenings that run long.
Stacks of snacks. Donuts are a main food group, and the snack shelf is always stocked with a wide variety of items.
Great teammates. One of the best parts of working here!
Company
Third Wave Automation
Third Wave Automation provides cloud robotics and machine learning technology to material handling automation.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$97MKey Investors
Woven CapitalQualcomm Ventures,Zebra TechnologiesNorwest
2024-10-30Series C· $27M
2023-02-15Series Unknown· $15M
2021-08-04Series B· $40M
Leadership Team
Arshan Poursohi
CEO, Co-Founder
Simon Biddiscombe
Advisor
Recent News
Qualcomm Ventures
2026-02-02
Company data provided by crunchbase