What are the responsibilities and job description for the Robotics Engineer position at Knightscope?
Local candidates only(On-site and field-based work required; this is not a remote position)
About Knightscope
Knightscope designs and operates Autonomous Security Robots (ASRs) that safeguard people and property around the clock. Our fleet of ASRs combines robotics, edge AI, and cloud services to deliver actionable, real‑time intelligence to clients nation‑wide.
About the Role
We’re seeking a Robotics Engineer with strong experience in ROS 1 and ROS 2 to join our team and support the continued evolution of our autonomous robotics platform. In this role, you will report directly to the Deployment Engineering Supervisor and work closely with an outsourced software development team. You’ll play a critical role in diagnosing field issues, improving autonomy performance, and developing new capabilities. This position is highly impactful—your work will directly influence the reliability, intelligence, and field success of robots deployed in dynamic, real-world environments. We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where adaptability, cross-team collaboration, and ownership are essential.
Key Responsibilities
● Troubleshoot and resolve issues in deployed robots running ROS 1 and ROS 2
● Collaborate with outsourced developers to implement and test system improvements
● Tune and validate localization, navigation, and sensor performance in both simulation and field settings
● Develop internal tools and scripts for diagnostics, monitoring, and deployment optimization
● Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and cross-functional engineering discussions
● Propose, prototype, and validate system enhancements to improve patrol reliability, uptime, and autonomy behavior
● Document key findings, tuning parameters, and engineering best practices for field reliability
Required Qualifications
● 3 years of hands-on experience working with ROS 1 and/or ROS 2 in real-world robotic systems
● Strong communication skills (verbal and written), with the ability to collaborate across distributed teams
● Proficiency in C and Python
● Comfort using tools like rviz, rosbag, rqt, tf, and standard ROS debugging techniques
● Experience with Linux, shell scripting, and production-grade development environments
● Familiarity with robotics sensors (e.g., lidar, IMU, cameras) and their real-world limitations
● Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
● Self-starter who thrives in a startup or early-stage product environment
● Must be able to work on-site from Sunnyvale, CA
Bonus Points
● Experience with AWS and remote monitoring solutions
● Familiarity with SLAM, computer vision, or autonomous behavior planning
● Experience working with outsourced or distributed engineering teams
● Prior robotics field deployment experience, especially in security, logistics, or public spaces
● Interest in growing into a technical lead or system architect role
Knightscope is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.