Who We Are
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.
Job Summary
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.
Essential Duties and 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
Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes
- Masters'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.
Compensation
Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 5% Safe Harbor Contribution to 401k 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
Work Location
Pittsburgh
Opportunity for Advancement
Hellbender is a growing business and follows a policy that prioritizes internal promotions. As new positions are created, new opportunities for advancement will be created as well.
Skills Required
- 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
- U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident status
What We Do
Bringing computer vision and AI/ML products to the edge. From R&D to Product Our team has experience conducting research starting at Technology Readiness Level 3 up through production and fielding. Where most small firms stop at the acquisitions "Valley of Death," we can help you go from experiment to product. Sensors and Robotic Systems With a strong background in sensors, field robotics, and embedded machine learning, we can help you leverage the best practical technology available to solve your problems. Domestic Manufacturing We do prototype and low-rate manufacturing right here in-house. Modern manufacturing equipment enables us to re-shore domestic manufacturing. Our current investments include an SMT pick and place line, robotic work cells, camera focus, sensor calibration, and light machining. We're building our process to be FAR compliant and meet AS9100D for quality. We'd be excited to be a trusted supplier for you. Partnerships We think that our transparent, frank, and honest approach to doing business makes us a trustworthy partner that will be a steward of your interests. Have a team capability or skill gap that needs to be filled? Have a sensor or robotics R&D project to transition to product? We are a flexible partner that would love to speak with you about your needs.
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