Pivot Robotics, a YC W24 startup building robots for warehouse unloading, is hiring Robotics Software Engineers. They're looking for experienced engineers proficient in C++ and ROS to develop and improve the perception, planning, and control systems for their robots. The role involves working on real-world robotic systems tackling challenging problems in a fast-paced startup environment.
Pivot Robotics, a promising venture currently incubated within the prestigious Winter 2024 cohort of Y Combinator, is actively seeking a highly skilled and motivated Robotics Software Engineer to join their burgeoning team. This individual will play a pivotal role in the development and refinement of cutting-edge software solutions specifically designed for the intricate and demanding realm of robotic manipulation within the context of warehouse automation. The ideal candidate will possess a robust understanding of fundamental robotics principles, including kinematics, dynamics, and control theory, coupled with practical experience in applying these principles to real-world robotic systems.
The successful applicant will be deeply immersed in the full software development lifecycle, contributing to all facets from initial design and prototyping through rigorous testing and eventual deployment. Responsibilities will encompass a diverse range of tasks, including but not limited to the design and implementation of robust control algorithms, the development of sophisticated perception pipelines for object recognition and pose estimation, and the creation of efficient motion planning strategies for complex manipulation tasks within dynamic warehouse environments. Proficiency in C++ and Python is considered essential, and familiarity with the Robot Operating System (ROS) framework would be highly advantageous.
This position presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the forefront of innovation in robotics and warehouse automation, working alongside a team of exceptionally talented engineers within the supportive and stimulating ecosystem fostered by Y Combinator. The selected candidate will have the chance to make a significant impact on the future of logistics and supply chain management, helping to shape the next generation of intelligent robotic systems. This role not only offers the potential for substantial professional growth but also the satisfaction of contributing to a company poised to revolutionize the way goods are handled and distributed globally.
Summary of Comments ( 0 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43342301
HN commenters discuss the Pivot Robotics job posting, mostly focusing on the compensation offered. Several find the $160k-$200k salary range low for senior-level robotics software engineers, especially given the Bay Area location and YC backing. Some argue the equity range (0.1%-0.4%) is also below market rate for a startup at this stage. Others suggest the provided range might be for more junior roles, given the requirement for only 2+ years of experience, and point out that actual offers could be higher. A few express general interest in the company and its mission of automating grocery picking. The low compensation is seen as a potential red flag by many, while others attribute it to the current market conditions and suggest negotiating.
The Hacker News post titled "Pivot Robotics (YC W24) Is Hiring" linking to a job posting for a Robotics Software Engineer generated several comments, engaging in a discussion primarily focused on the challenges and realities of robotics development, along with some speculation about Pivot Robotics' specific application area.
One commenter highlights the inherent difficulty of robotics, stating that "Robotics is hard," and elaborates that it's not just about software, but also involves intricate hardware and systems integration aspects. They further emphasize the iterative nature of robotics development, requiring continuous improvement and refinement. This comment sets the tone for much of the subsequent discussion.
Another commenter questions the specific focus of Pivot Robotics, asking, "What kind of robots are they making? The website offers few clues." This reflects a desire for more transparency from the company regarding their target industry and the specific problems they aim to solve with their robotic solutions. This lack of clarity seems to be a shared concern among several commenters.
Several commenters engage in a back-and-forth about the complexities of robot manipulation and grasping, touching upon topics like picking up deformable objects and the challenges of real-world, unstructured environments. This exchange dives into the technical intricacies of robotics, showcasing the expertise within the Hacker News community.
Another commenter mentions their experience with industrial robots, highlighting the often overlooked practical challenges such as cable management, which can significantly impact the design and functionality of robotic systems. This contributes to the overall theme of real-world robotics being considerably more complex than theoretical concepts.
A couple of commenters speculate about Pivot Robotics' potential application areas, suggesting possibilities like agriculture, given the company's location in Salinas, California. However, these remain speculations without concrete evidence.
Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post reflect a realistic and nuanced understanding of the challenges inherent in robotics development. They express curiosity about Pivot Robotics' specific focus while acknowledging the complexities of building practical and effective robotic systems. The discussion highlights the practical, hands-on nature of robotics, moving beyond abstract concepts to address real-world implementation challenges.