Perception Engineer

Radical AI, Inc. is an artificial intelligence company that is accelerating scientific research & development. We are at the forefront of innovation in the field of materials R&D, a critical driver for advancing our most cutting-edge industries and shaping the future. Breaking away from the traditionally slow and costly R&D process, Radical AI leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to pioneer generative materials science. This innovative field blends AI, engineering, and materials science, revolutionizing how materials are created and discovered. Radical AI's approach speeds up R&D and addresses global challenges, setting new benchmarks in technology and sustainability.

As a Software Engineer in the Robotics and Automation group at Radical AI you will focus on vision and perception systems to design, deploy, and scale robust vision-guided automation in fast-moving lab environments.

Your experience and vision will shape both the physical and systematic implementation of lab automation. You will collaborate closely with Roboticists, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering and Material Scientists to meet rigorous and sometimes dynamic design requirements at a profound deployment speed.

Mission:
• Design, implement, and deploy 2D and 3D vision systems for robotic manipulation, inspection, state verification, and sensor fusion
• Develop vision-guided automation solutions integrating cameras, lighting, optics, and robots in laboratory and industrial environments
• Implement perception pipelines for object detection, segmentation, pose estimation, and feature extraction
• Own camera calibration, and system-level accuracy validation
• Develop novel algorithms for state estimation of fluids and particle flows
• Integrate vision outputs with robot motion planning, grasping, and task execution
• Tune and harden vision systems for robustness against variability in materials, reflections, and environmental conditions
• Collaborate with software, mechatronics, and mechanical teams to translate experimental and operational needs into automated solutions
• Contribute to technical direction, architecture decisions, and best practices across the robotics, perception, and automation software stack
• Bring an attitude of collaboration and open-mindedness, to facilitate fearless and creative problem solving that empowers our team to ship world class technology at an unprecedented speed.

About you:
• Master’s, Doctorate (or equivalent experience) degree in Robotics, Computer Vision, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience designing and deploying machine vision systems in robotics or automation environments
• Strong hands-on experience with 2D/3D cameras, lenses, lighting, and optics
• Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for production software development
• Experience with common vision libraries and frameworks
• Experience solving novel computer vision problems
• Experience with simulation, sim2real and domain randomization in a computer vision domain
• Experience integrating vision systems with industrial robots and motion platforms
• Experience with robotic control frameworks (e.g., ROS/ROS2 or equivalent custom systems)
• Ability to work independently in a hands-on, development-oriented environment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering and scientific disciplines.

Pluses:
• Deep automation experience outside of vision
• Experience in laboratory automation, materials science, or scientific instrumentation
• Prior startup experience or ownership of systems from early prototype through production

What we offer:
• A competitive compensation package also includes the best in benefits.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
• Mental health and wellness support
• 14+ company holidays per year
• 401K
• Work closely with a team on the cutting edge of AI research.
• A mission: an opportunity to fundamentally change the way humanity makes progress through materials science discovery.

Salary Description

Competitive salary + Equity + Benefits; base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Disclosure

Radical AI is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, disability, or veteran status.