Job Title: Software Engineer - Systems/DevOps (Robotics)
Job Description
This role focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining software for advanced mobile robotic systems. You will build new features for robotic platforms, implement and test algorithms directly on hardware, and contribute across the full software lifecycle from development and testing through production deployment. Working in a highly collaborative environment, you will help shape the robot firmware, control systems, and navigation capabilities that enable autonomous operation.
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and implement new features for mobile robotic systems, with a focus on robust, production-ready software.
Write clean, well-structured, and well-documented C++ code, ensuring comprehensive unit tests and maintainable implementations.
Test new algorithms and software components directly on robotic hardware, validating performance and reliability in real-world scenarios.
Develop and integrate mobile robot self-navigation technology, including low-level control systems, path planning algorithms, and higher-level behavioral logic.
Contribute to the automation of robot bring-up processes, from calibration and configuration through system-level testing.
Investigate and resolve software bugs, delivering solutions that effectively address customer and operational needs.
Participate in release testing for both software and firmware, ensuring stable and high-quality releases.
Contribute to the development of robot firmware, device drivers, hardware interfaces, and core algorithms supporting autonomous operation.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional team members, supporting adjacent areas of development and sharing expertise.
Participate in project planning activities, including timeline estimation and resource allocation, to support successful delivery.
Engage in code reviews, provide constructive feedback, and help uphold high engineering standards across the team.
Support continuous integration workflows by automating tests and processes that run in CI environments.
Essential Skills
4+ years of professional experience as a software engineer.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field.
Strong proficiency in C++ for production software development, including writing clean, tested, and documented code.
Strong proficiency in Python, with the ability to port code between Python and C++ and vice versa.
Experience working across the complete software lifecycle, from development and testing through production deployment.
Hands-on experience with debugging complex software systems, including use of appropriate tools and methodologies.
Experience conducting code reviews and writing unit tests to maintain code quality and reliability.
Ability to automate software workflows that run on a continuous integration (CI) system.
Demonstrated experience working with hardware and robotics systems, including integrating software with physical devices.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify, analyze, and resolve software bugs and performance issues.
Effective collaboration skills and the ability to thrive in a highly cooperative engineering environment.
Capability to work on-site or within a commutable distance to San Francisco.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Passion for autonomous systems and robotics, with a strong interest in advancing robotic capabilities.
Curiosity and eagerness to learn new technologies, tools, and methodologies in robotics and software engineering.
A sense of ownership and agency over your work, taking initiative and driving projects to completion.
Openness to mentorship, both receiving guidance and contributing to the growth of others on the team.
Experience working with robotics software stacks, including components such as robotic arms and rigid transforms.
Familiarity with DevOps practices related to robotics software, including automation, CI/CD, and release processes.
Experience with device drivers, embedded systems, or firmware development in a robotics @context.
Work Environment
This position is based in or within a commutable distance to San Francisco and involves close collaboration with a multidisciplinary engineering team working on mobile robotic systems. You will spend time both developing software and interacting with physical robots, including testing algorithms directly on hardware in lab or production-like environments. The team uses modern software development practices, including code reviews, unit testing, and continuous integration, to maintain high quality and reliability. The environment emphasizes learning, mentorship, and shared ownership of outcomes, with opportunities to contribute ideas and influence technical direction. Attire is generally casual and practical, suitable for both office work and hands-on interaction with robotic equipment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Francisco, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $130.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in San Francisco,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
