Robotics Software Engineer, Manipulation

Persona AI is developing and commercializing rugged, multi-purpose humanoid robots that perform real work. Persona’s founding team has a decades-long history in humanoid robotics, bionics, and product development delivering robust hardware that has touched the stars, worked miles below the surface of the ocean, roamed Disney Parks, and has even been featured on a US postage stamp. Our mission is focused squarely on shipping beautiful, reliable products at massive scale, while building a customer-focused team to achieve these aims.

We're looking for exceptional people who dream big, thrive on challenges, and love seeing their designs come to life. We are primarily interested in candidates who have shipped products in the fields of autonomy, robotics, consumer products, medical devices, automotive, or aerospace. We also value advanced degrees and deep expertise.

As an inaugural engineer at Persona, you will have an incredible opportunity to shape the design of Persona’s humanoid robots, while also helping set the culture of the company. If you're passionate about cutting-edge technology and want to be part of a world-class team we'd love to hear from you.

Your Role:

• Design and implement advanced, dexterous manipulation algorithms for humanoid robots with multi-fingered hands, including precise grasping, in-hand manipulation, and fine motor control.

• Develop and optimize motion planning algorithms for complex, dexterous manipulation tasks, considering intricate hand kinematics, object manipulation constraints, and task-space requirements.

• Implement robust control strategies for precise and dexterous manipulation, including force control, impedance control, and hybrid control specifically tailored for multi-fingered hands.

• Develop algorithms for contact modeling and force estimation, enabling robust manipulation in contact-rich environments with a focus on tactile sensing and feedback for dexterous tasks.

• Join a team developing cutting-edge technology to improve the safety of humanoid robots in manufacturing.

• Stay up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in dexterous robotic manipulation and control.

We’re Looking For:

• BS, MS, or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field.

• 7+ years of experience (5+ with advanced degree) in robotics with a strong emphasis on dexterous hand control and object manipulation.

• Strong background in motion planning, control theory, and optimization, specifically for dexterous manipulation.

• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing advanced dexterous manipulation algorithms.

• Experience with contact modeling, force estimation, and tactile sensing for dexterous manipulation.

• Proficiency in C++, Python, and relevant robotics libraries (e.g., MoveIt!, Drake, OpenRAVE).

• Experience with trajectory optimization libraries (e.g., IPOPT, SNOPT, qpOASES).

• Demonstrated understanding and application of both classical control and optimization techniques, and modern machine learning methods for manipulation.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced startup environment.

Preferred or Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with simulators (e.g., MuJoCo, Isaac Sim) specifically for simulating dexterous hands and manipulation.

• Extensive experience with force/torque sensors and advanced tactile sensing systems for dexterous manipulation.

• Experience with machine learning for dexterous manipulation, including learning grasp strategies and in-hand manipulation skills.

• Publications in top-tier robotics conferences focusing on dexterous manipulation.

• Experience in a humanoid robot startup environment.

Why join Persona AI?

• You'll shape technology that's redefining the possibilities of robotics and human interaction.

• Work alongside passionate teammates who value diversity, creativity, and continuous learning.

• Enjoy full access to advanced prototyping tools, labs, and the freedom to experiment and innovate.

• We offer competitive compensation, excellent benefits, flexible work environment, and equity opportunities.

Persona AI embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.