Technical Co-Founder — Robotics Startup | Daytona Beach, FL

Technical Co-Founder — Robotics Startup | Daytona Beach, FL

About Docking Robotics

Docking Robotics is developing vendor-agnostic technologies that enable heterogeneous robotic systems to work together through autonomous coordination and physical integration. Our goal is to make robotic platforms interoperable across manufacturers and application domains, unlocking new capabilities for autonomous systems.

We are recruiting a technical co-founder to complement the company's leadership and own technical development day to day. We need someone who can lead the engineering program, make technical decisions, and turn prototypes into robust, field-ready systems—not simply assist with development.

What You Would Own

• Experimental program: Design and execute trials, establish measurable performance criteria, and maintain rigorous test logs..

• Cross-platform interoperability: Develop and validate software that enables communication and coordination across commercially available robotic platforms we did not build ourselves..

• System integration: Lead mechanical, electrical, embedded, and software integration across different robotic architectures..

• Field hardening: Improve prototype reliability under dust, weather, vibration, and extended outdoor operation..

• Technical documentation: Produce engineering reports, test results, and technical documentation to support federal research proposals and demonstrate defensible technical progress..

• Technical strategy: Define the architecture, prioritize development, and guide the company's long-term engineering roadmap..

Technical Skills

We are looking for a hands-on engineer with strong fundamentals and the ability to work across disciplines.

Core skills

• Programming: C , Python, object-oriented programming, debugging, and software architecture..

• Robotics and control: Control theory, dynamic modeling, system identification, feedback control, state estimation, and sensor fusion..

• Embedded systems: Microcontrollers, real-time systems, communication protocols, hardware interfaces, and sensor/actuator integration..

• Mechanical engineering: CAD design using SolidWorks or equivalent, mechanical assemblies, tolerances, and design for manufacturing..

• System integration and testing: Hardware-in-the-loop testing, experimental design, data acquisition, performance analysis, and troubleshooting..

• Autonomous systems: Experience integrating sensors, actuators, and software into complete robotic systems..

Valuable additional skills

• AI and machine learning: Perception, decision-making, computer vision, or learning-based control..

• NVIDIA ecosystem: Jetson platforms, CUDA, accelerated computing, and deployment of AI workloads on embedded hardware..

• Finite element analysis (FEA/FEM): Structural analysis, stress and vibration analysis, and mechanical validation..

• Robotics middleware: ROS 2, Linux, distributed software, and inter-process communication..

• Electrical engineering: PCB design, motor drivers, power electronics, battery systems, and electrical troubleshooting..

• Autonomous navigation: Localization, trajectory planning, visual odometry, and multi-sensor fusion..

• Simulation: MATLAB/Simulink, Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or comparable robotics simulation tools..

• Communication and leadership: Technical writing, research documentation, engineering project management, and the ability to make sound decisions under uncertainty..

You do not need to be an expert in every technology listed. Strong fundamentals, demonstrated engineering ability, and the capacity to learn quickly matter more than checking every box.

Who Fits

• MS or PhD in robotics, controls, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a closely related field—or equivalent practical experience..

• A track record of building and integrating real hardware, ideally systems tested outside the lab..

• Comfortable working across mechanical, electrical, embedded, and software disciplines..

• Able to lead an engineering program independently, make technical trade-offs, and take responsibility for results..

• Excited by early-stage deep-tech entrepreneurship and the challenge of developing technology from prototype to product..

The Deal, Stated Honestly

There is no salary at this stage. Docking Robotics is bootstrapped, with a DoD grant submission and an NSF SBIR pitch in progress.

The technical co-founder will receive equity, with the specific percentage, vesting schedule, responsibilities, and terms documented in writing before any commitment.

The intention is to transition this role into a paid, full-time position when sufficient funding is secured. Grant awards and funding timelines are not guaranteed, so candidates should understand the financial uncertainty involved.

What Makes It Worth the Bet

The technology has progressed beyond the concept stage, and we are working toward a broader challenge: making robotic systems from different manufacturers work together reliably.

The opportunity is to help define the technical direction, establish the engineering foundation, and build a company around a problem with significant potential across autonomous systems and industrial applications.

You would have meaningful influence over both the technology and the company's direction.

Location Requirement

• This is a hands-on role requiring regular participation in hardware development and field trials. Candidates must live in or near Daytona Beach, Florida, or be able to be on-site regularly.