Senior Robotics Engineer, Level 3

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 and embrace out of the box thinking and creativity. We also believe in excellence and competence, with an engineering team boasting extensive turbo machinery mechanical design expertise and holding a combined experience of more than 150 years.

At Zulu Pods, we

• operate with Integrity,
• take Extreme Ownership,
• lift each other up with Servant Leadership,
• win by Exceeding Expectations, and
• succeed with Optimistic Vision.

Zulu Pods is seeking a highly motivated and talented Senior Robotics Engineer who will support the development of our Smart

PODS products in our Northampton, Massachusetts location. This mid-level position is perfect for an engineer with 5-9 years of experience. The selected individual will contribute with a mix of hands‑on experience and technical skills. This role is critical in designing, developing, and testing the complex electro‑mechanical systems that underpin our next‑generation solutions for the aerospace and defense industry. You will work closely with other Smart

POD engineers and cross‑functional teams to bring innovative robotic solutions from concept to reality.

We are interested in candidates who are highly motivated, have excellent interpersonal skills, and demonstrate recognized leadership experience. Lastly, working at a start‑up is dynamic and may take on many other shapes. This also means that there will be opportunities to develop this role to suit your skills and interests, even outside of engineering.

As a Senior Robotics Engineer, you will be a key contributor to the Smart

POD development lifecycle, from concept generation to field deployment. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Design and Develop men
  t:
  Lead the detailed design, analysis, and simulation of complex electro‑mechanical subsystems for the Smart
  
  PODs, including actuation, sensing, and power distribution mechanisms, ensuring they meet strict aerospace and defense specifications (e.g., vibration, temperature, EMI/EMC).
• Prototyping and Testing: Lead brainstorming sessions and design reviews, oversee the fabrication, assembly, and rigorous testing of prototypes. Develop and execute comprehensive test plans to validate system performance, reliability, and robustness in relevant environments.
• Control Systems Implementation
  :
  Design and implement advanced robotic control algorithms for precision motion, sensing, and autonomous functions, primarily using C/C++ or similar languages on embedded platforms.
• System Integration
  :
  Collaborate closely with software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of robotic components with the overall Smart
  
  POD architecture.
• Testing and Debugging
  :
  Run test cases for hardware and software, document bugs and troubleshoot, and measure performance metrics.
• Documentation
  :
  Generate and maintain detailed engineering documentation, including requirements specifications, design documents, test reports, and manufacturing procedures, adhering to industry standards.
• Collaboration
  :
  Work with cross‑functional teams (engineers, designers, operations, and program management) to successfully execute projects on time and within design scope.
• Technical Leadership: Serve as a technical resource and mentor to junior engineers. 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 related field.
• Experience
  :
  Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in robotics, mechatronics, or complex electro‑mechanical system design and development, preferably within the aerospace, defense, or highly regulated industries.

• Proven experience in motor selection, gearing, and actuation system design (e.g., servo, stepper, solenoids).
• Strong proficiency with CAD software (e.g., Solid Works, CREO) and FEA/Simulation…