At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop cutting-edge robotics systems for autonomous heavy machinery in dynamic environments.
- Company: Join a well-funded start-up revolutionising the construction sector with innovative technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, full health coverage, and a $5K equipment budget.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with weekly hardware updates and significant career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be the first engineering hire and shape the future of robotics in construction.
- Qualifications: Strong C++ and Python skills; experience with robotics middleware and sensor integration.
The predicted salary is between 50400 - 61600 £ per year.
Autonomous Heavy Equipment Start-Up | Founding Robotics Engineer | San Francisco | On-Site | $160-200K
About the Company:
Our client is an early-stage, well-funded robotics start-up on a mission to revolutionise the heavy construction sector through autonomy. Founded by experienced entrepreneurs and backed by leading investors, they retrofit large-scale civil and industrial machinery with intelligent control systems to enable fully autonomous operation.
What They Build:
Their platform integrates advanced perception (LiDAR, stereo vision, RTK GNSS, IMU) with tele-operation capabilities and CAN network integration. They work closely with major industry partners to pilot their systems in real-world, high-impact environments. As their first engineering hire, you’ll see your work deployed to operational sites in months.
The Challenge:
You’ll tackle autonomy in unstructured outdoor environments: deformable terrain, variable traction, GNSS dropouts, multi-robot coordination, and the unpredictable conditions of active worksites. This is applied robotics at its most dynamic, with the opportunity to design and own systems end-to-end.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and extend robotics middleware components for low-latency tele-operation.
- Reverse-engineer undocumented CAN signals from heavy machinery.
- Contribute to both software and hardware system design.
- Participate in weekly field tests; iterate hardware and software rapidly based on results.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Strong C++ and Python programming skills; proven experience with robotics middleware (e.g., ROS 2 or similar).
- Hands-on experience integrating sensors such as LiDAR, cameras, IMU, and RTK GNSS.
Preferred Qualifications:
- CAN bus protocol expertise and reverse-engineering experience.
- Background in electrical or mechanical engineering.
Competitive salary in the $160-200K range (with scheduled review at 6 months or next funding).
2 – 3% equity in the company.
Full health, dental, and vision coverage.
$5K equipment and workstation budget.
Relocation assistance and daily provided lunch.
Why Join Now:
- First hire: Help shape architecture, culture, and core technology from the ground up.
- High impact: Your work will define the reference stack for an emerging industry.
- Fast cycle time: Deploy updates to live hardware weekly, not quarterly.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
Industries: Civil Engineering and Automation Machinery Manufacturing
Robotics Engineer employer: Capua
Join an innovative robotics start-up in San Francisco, where you'll be at the forefront of transforming the heavy construction sector through autonomy. As the first engineering hire, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the company's architecture and culture while working on cutting-edge technology that delivers real-world impact. Enjoy competitive compensation, equity options, comprehensive health benefits, and a collaborative work environment that fosters rapid growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Robotics Engineer
✨Dive into Robotics Meetups
Get yourself out there and connect with others in the robotics-automation field by attending local meetups and industry events. These gatherings are where the magic happens, and you might just rub shoulders with someone from Capua or get insider tips on upcoming vacancies.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Create a portfolio that highlights your robotics projects, whether they're personal, academic, or freelance. Share this on platforms like GitHub or your personal website, as it shows potential employers, like Capua, what you're made of and your hands-on experience in the field.
✨Utilise University Resources
If you're fresh out of university or still connected, don't underestimate your career services. They often have exclusive access to job fairs and employer networking events in technical fields like ours, so make sure you tap into those resources to discover openings at companies like Capua.
✨Engage in Online Communities
Join online communities that focus on robotics and automation, such as forums or LinkedIn groups. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and share insights. This not only builds your visibility but could also lead to direct connections at firms like Capua, which might have the full-time role you're after.
We think you need these skills to ace Robotics Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the robotics and automation field, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills on your CV. Include specific programming languages, software platforms, and any relevant robotics experience. Don’t forget to mention any projects or systems you've developed – this info can really make you stand out!
Portfolio Perfection:Having a polished portfolio can speak volumes for a role in robotics. Include any relevant case studies, designs, or prototypes you've worked on. If you've participated in competitions or hackathons, showcase these achievements as well – they show initiative and problem-solving skills!
Tailored Cover Letter Magic:In your cover letter, don’t just tell us that you love robotics—tell us why you’re passionate about automation specifically! Explain how your skills can contribute to Capua’s projects and remember to connect your past experiences to what you'll be doing in this role.
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, such as in robotic process automation or machine learning, make sure they’re front and centre on your CV. These credentials show you're dedicated to your field and keep you up to date with industry standards – we love to see that!
How to prepare for a job interview at Capua
✨Showcase Your Technical Wizardry
For a role in robotics and automation at Capua, it's crucial to demonstrate your technical skills. Be prepared to dive into specifics about the programming languages and tools you’ve used, like Python or ROS (Robot Operating System). Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms and control systems, as these might come up during technical questions.
✨Bring Your Projects to Life
With a full-time position in robotics, you should have a portfolio of your projects ready to show. Whether it's a robot you built for a competition or a simple automation script, make sure you can discuss the challenges you faced and how you solved them. This hands-on experience is gold and shows you can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
✨Think Like an Engineer
Expect some problem-solving scenarios during your interview. You might be asked to design a basic automation solution on the spot or troubleshoot a robotic system. Practising these types of technical questions can really set you apart, as they require critical thinking and a systematic approach to tackle problems.
✨Culture Fit Is Key!
Don’t underestimate the importance of cultural fit at Capua. They might ask about your teamwork experience and how you handle challenges with peers. Be ready to share examples of working in diverse teams, as collaboration is often central to projects in robotics and automation.
