Lead Software Engineer

CleanBotix, a leading robotics innovator in automated food sanitation technology is seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer for a full time position based at our Grand Rapids Michigan operation. This position will be responsible for leading our software development team, planning solution architecture and delivering robust and scalable software solutions for autonomous robots. You'll be instrumental in shaping our technical direction, leading development efforts, and building a software foundation that bridges robotics, industrial controls, and autonomous navigation.

This is a hands-on leadership position where you'll write code, architect systems, mentor developers, and work directly with our business and product development to translate ambitious product goals into executable software development plans.

• Design and implement software architecture for our autonomous cleaning robot system
• Lead development of ROS2-based control systems integrating arm manipulation, navigation, and auxiliary systems
• Establish software development standards, best practices, and testing frameworks
• Mastermind layered software testing strategies and software release processes
• Direct the development of comprehensive technical documentation
• Make critical technical decisions balancing innovation, reliability, maintainability, and cost

• Develop and maintain ROS2 nodes for robot control, sensor integration, and system orchestration
• Implement and optimize communication protocols (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, etc.) for industrial equipment integration
• Build interfaces between MoveIt Pro motion planning and custom navigation systems
• Develop control systems for auxiliary hardware (e.g. safety loops, spray valves, lighting, sensors)
• Write robust, testable, and maintainable code across the robot software stack

• Collaborate with business and product stakeholders to define software requirements and development roadmaps
• Break down complex projects into actionable development tasks and milestones
• Guide and mentor junior developers through code reviews, pair programming, and technical coaching
• Coordinate with hardware engineers and external partners
• Lead sprint planning, technical discussions, and retrospectives

• Implement comprehensive testing strategies (unit, integration, system, and field testing)
• Debug complex issues across hardware-software interfaces in real-world production environments
• Establish continuous integration and deployment pipelines with the support of a DevOps specialist
• Develop simulation and testing environments for rapid iteration
• Ensure system reliability and safety in food production facility operations
  

• Software engineering: Proficiency in C and Python; experience with modern development practices (version control, CI/CD, code review)
• Robotics and related — any or all of the following:
• ROS2 expertise: ROS2 concepts (nodes, topics, services, actions, lifecycle management, parameters) and design patterns
• Industrial protocols: Hands-on experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g. Modbus TCP/RTU & common industrial networking protocols)
• Robotics fundamentals: Solid grasp of kinematics, motion planning, localization, mapping, and sensor fusion
• Testing mastery: Demonstrated ability to design and implement comprehensive testing strategies; experience with testing frameworks and debugging tools

• 5 years of software development experience with at least 2 years in a formal lead role
• Proven track record of leading technical projects from concept to deployment
• Experience mentoring or managing junior developers
• Prior work integrating commercial robotic systems or working with mechatronics or related
• Experience developing software for real-world deployment in challenging environments

• Excellent communication skills with ability to translate between technical and business stakeholders
• Self-motivated and comfortable with startup ambiguity and rapid iteration
• Strong problem-solving skills and systematic debugging approach
• Collaborative mindset with ability to build consensus and drive decisions
• Adaptability and willingness to wear multiple hats

• Experience with computer vision and depth camera integration
• Familiarity with LiDAR-based navigation systems
• Background in food production, manufacturing, or industrial automation
• Experience with safety-critical systems development
• Knowledge of functional safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061, or similar)
• Contributions to open-source robotics projects
• Experience with Docker, embedded Linux, and real-time systems
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering, or related field