Senior Robotics Engineer, Level 3

About the Company

Zulu Pods is building America’s next‑generation component and sub‑system company, and we are seeking highly motivated team players to join us in this mission.

We believe in bringing your human to work, embracing out‑of‑the‑box thinking and creativity, and upholding excellence and competence.

• Operate with Integrity
• Take Extreme Ownership
• Lifting each other up with Servant Leadership
• Winning by Exceeding Expectations
• Succeeding with Optimistic Vision

Zulu Pods is seeking a Senior Robotics Engineer for our Northampton, Massachusetts location. This mid‑level position is ideal for an engineer with 5‑9 years of experience and a blend of hands‑on expertise and technical skills. The selected individual will design, develop, and test complex electro‑mechanical systems for next‑generation aerospace and defense solutions.

• Design and Development – Lead detailed design, analysis, and simulation of electro‑mechanical subsystems, including actuation, sensing, and power distribution, ensuring compliance with aerospace and defense specifications (e.g., vibration, temperature, EMI/EMC).
• Prototyping and Testing – Lead brainstorming sessions and design reviews, oversee fabrication, assembly, and rigorous testing of prototypes, developing and executing comprehensive test plans.
• Control Systems Implementation – Design and implement advanced robotic control algorithms for precision motion and autonomous functions, primarily using C/C++ or similar languages on embedded platforms.
• System Integration – Collaborate with software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to integrate robotic components into the overall Smart
  
  POD architecture.
• Testing and Debugging – Run test cases for hardware and software, document bugs, troubleshoot, and measure performance metrics.
• Documentation – Generate and maintain detailed engineering documentation, including requirements specifications, design documents, test reports, and manufacturing procedures.
• Collaboration – Work with cross‑functional teams (engineers, designers, operations, program management) to deliver projects on time and within scope.
• Technical Leadership – Mentor junior engineers and drive best practices in design, documentation, and configuration management.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer/Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in robotics, mechatronics, or complex electro‑mechanical system design and development, preferably within aerospace, defense, or highly regulated industries.

• Motor selection, gearing, and actuation system design (e.g., servo, stepper, solenoids).
• Proficiency with CAD (Solid Works, CREO) and FEA/Simulation tools (ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink).
• In‑depth knowledge of embedded systems, microcontrollers (ARM), and protocols (CAN bus, Ethernet, RS‑485).
• Design for harsh environments – thermal management, sealing, material selection for extreme loads.
• Programming: C/C++ for embedded controls; scripting with Python for testing and data analysis; experience with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Git Hub is a strong plus.

• DO‑178C or DO‑254 development assurance experience.
• Familiarity with robotic sensing technologies (LiDAR, IMUs, computer vision) and sensor fusion techniques.
• Experience with PLC or equivalent industrial control systems.

• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Rapid learning and adaptability.
• 0‑25% travel as required.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

• Competitive salary and equity options.
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term disability insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick, and personal days.
• Paid parental leave.
• Career acceleration and leadership opportunities.
• High technical autonomy and influence over product decisions.
• Office amenities – stocked kitchens, unlimited snacks, coffee, team events.
• Personal…