At a Glance
- Tasks: Revive and enhance a robotic grasping system, tackling real autonomy challenges.
- Company: Join Lodestar, a pioneering tech firm focused on space asset protection.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible start dates, and a vibrant office in London.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for hands-on learning and growth.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact in robotics while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a degree in Robotics or related field; C++ and Python skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 27000 £ per year.
About Lodestar
Lodestar's mission is to develop the first "Protect and Defend" capability for high-value space assets in orbit. Our flagship product, MITHRIL, is our hardware-agnostic, AI-enabled autonomy software suite that enables us to augment any off-the-shelf spacecraft with the ability to autonomously detect, characterise, and reversibly neutralise orbital threats. By building on the proven space heritage of our best-in-class satellite-bus partners and fully integrating MITHRIL into a single unified platform, we deliver an end-to-end, autonomous in-space bodyguarding service.
About the Job
We are looking for a motivated Robotics Engineer Intern to support our team in bringing an existing robotic grasping system back online and driving forward its development. This role offers hands-on experience with a complete perception-to-manipulation pipeline, including stereo vision, ArUco marker detection, and 6-DoF robotic arm control. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to a working physical system with real autonomy challenges.
What You’ll Do
- Take ownership of an existing end-to-end robotic grasping system and bring it back to a fully operational state following a period of paused development.
- Assess and implement necessary configuration updates arising from changes to the end effector setup.
- Refine and stabilise the system, making incremental improvements to simplify the architecture and improve reliability.
- Work with a stereo vision camera mounted on the end effector to detect ArUco markers and guide the arm toward a target grasp pose.
- Collaborate closely with the team to identify and implement further improvements to perception and motion performance.
Qualifications Required
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or a related field.
- Proficiency in C++ and Python.
- Experience with Linux, preferably in embedded or real-time systems environments.
- Experience with an embedded system project demonstrating the full end-to-end process of developing, deploying, and validating software on physical hardware.
- Strong interest in robotics, particularly robotic manipulation and 6-DoF robotic arm control.
- Enthusiastic self-starter with a practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a small, multidisciplinary team.
Preferred
- Experience with ROS (Robot Operating System).
- Experience with machine vision, computer vision models, marker-based perception systems, or depth perception pipelines.
- Experience with Docker and containerized development environments.
- Experience with 6-DoF robotic manipulators, kinematics, and motion planning.
- Familiarity with robotic perception, grasp planning, manipulation frameworks, or autonomous systems.
- Familiarity with stereo vision cameras, depth sensing technologies, and perception workflows.
- Experience with ArUco or other fiducial marker detection and tracking systems.
- Familiarity with Git and modern version control workflows.
Benefits
- Vibrant, open-plan office in London
- Be part of a scrappy, dynamic, multidisciplinary, collaborative crew
- Salary of £27,000 Pro Rata
Start Date
Flexible start date. Expected internship length of 2–3 months. Timing can be adjusted to accommodate academic schedules and candidate availability.
Important Information
For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of one of the following countries: Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, or United States, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, please refer to ITAR Regulations.
Robotics Software Engineer Intern employer: Lodestar Space
Lodestar is an exceptional employer for aspiring Robotics Software Engineers, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture in the heart of London. Interns will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology while working alongside a dynamic team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space autonomy. With flexible internship lengths and a competitive salary, Lodestar provides a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth in a rapidly evolving field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Robotics Software Engineer Intern
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! Dive into projects that showcase your skills in robotics and software development. Whether it's a personal project or contributing to open-source, having something tangible to discuss during interviews can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend robotics meetups, workshops, or online webinars. Connecting with industry professionals can lead to valuable insights and even job opportunities. Plus, don’t forget to follow up with people you meet!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews can help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Focus on explaining your projects and how they relate to the role you're applying for—this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our mission. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and enthusiasm for robotics—let us know why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Robotics Software Engineer Intern
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Robotics:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for robotics shine through! Share any projects or experiences that highlight your interest in robotic manipulation and 6-DoF control. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the field.
Tailor Your Skills to the Role:Make sure to align your skills with what we're looking for. If you’ve got experience with C++, Python, or ROS, mention it! Highlight any relevant projects that demonstrate your hands-on experience with embedded systems or robotic perception. We want to know how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and potential contributions to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised as we review applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lodestar Space
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of robotics, especially around grasping systems and 6-DoF robotic arm control. Familiarise yourself with the technologies mentioned in the job description, like stereo vision and ArUco markers, so you can speak confidently about them during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Be ready to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, particularly those involving embedded systems or robotic manipulation. Highlight your hands-on experience and how you tackled challenges in your previous work. This will demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Team Player Vibes
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you've successfully worked in a team. Be prepared to share how you communicated effectively and contributed to group projects, as this will show you're a great fit for their dynamic crew.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the company. Inquire about the current challenges they face with the robotic grasping system or how they envision the development process. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company aligns with your goals.
