Senior Software Engineer

Company Description

Third Wave Automation is a rapidly growing startup that has demonstrated its core technology components, proven its market fit, and just closed its Series C funding. If you are excited about cutting edge machine learning, robotics that affects the real world, and want to join a company where your skills can have a huge impact, you’ll fit right in. 

Third Wave Automation is applying modern machine learning to materials handling—delivering site-specific forklift navigation and infrastructure-free pallet handling that continuously adapts to changing floor configuration and warehouse demand. 

Job Description

At Third Wave Automation, we're building intelligent, reliable robots that seamlessly operate in complex warehouse environments. As we scale, we’re looking for a versatile and experienced Senior Software Engineer who can contribute across the stack, from core infrastructure to robotics systems. This role is ideal for an engineering generalist with a strong foundation in robotics software who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

How You Can Make an Impact

• Design and develop core robotics software infrastructure including planning systems, state machines, and internal tools
• Write high-quality, documented, and maintainable code in Python and C++
• Collaborate across cross-functional teams (hardware, perception, deployment) to deliver scalable, production-grade systems
• Drive the full development lifecycle from prototyping and testing to deployment and production support
• Contribute to simulation efforts to support robust development and testing of autonomous behaviors
• Influence system architecture and software design decisions across our robotics platform
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a strong engineering culture

Desired Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
• Minimum 5 years of professional software development experience (industry)
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python in a production environment
• Comfort working on a wide range of software challenges (infrastructure, algorithms, tools)
• Strong debugging, systems thinking, and collaborative problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with robotics simulations (e.g., Gazebo, Webots, or custom in-house SIM tools

Bonus Points For 

• ROS/ROS2 or other robotics middleware
• Real-time systems and performance optimization
• Experience scaling systems in production environments
• Experience with robotic state machines, behavior trees, or motion planning systems
• Understanding of linear algebra, computational geometry, or numerical methods

The pay range for this position is $135,000 - $205,000/yr+ benefits+equity; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  Base pay information is based on market location.

More About Working Here

Our Core Values:

• Safety. We consider safety in everything we do.
• People. We care about our teammates as people.
• Encouragement. We encourage teaching, asking questions, and sharing opinions.
• Transparency. We are transparent and sincere in our actions.

A robust set of benefits and perks:

• 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!

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We value each person's expertise and experiences. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. 

All qualified applicants able to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.