Robotics Software Engineer - Boston

Job description

About Whelix

Whelix builds intelligent robots that automate the cell culture process for biotech and pharmaceutical research. By integrating AI agents with proprietary engineered robotics, our systems eliminate repetitive, error-prone workflows - freeing scientists to focus on discovery while increasing experimental throughput, reproducibility, and scientific impact.

We’re a Boston-based startup with an additional office in Pittsburgh, actively piloting with leading research institutions and preparing for commercial launch.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Robotics Software Engineer contractor/intern to help design, build, and test robotic systems for cell culture automation.

This role is ideal for an early-career robotics engineer, recent graduate, or advanced student with hands-on robotics experience through internships, research, capstone projects, or early professional work.

You will work closely with Whelix’s technical team to support the development of robotic systems that manipulate human-centric lab tools, translate workflows into automated systems, and help advance the platform from pilot stage toward commercial readiness.

This is a hands-on opportunity for someone who enjoys building, experimenting, debugging real-world systems, and solving practical engineering challenges in a fast-paced startup environment.

**Please note:

• This is an onsite role based at Whelix’s Boston office/lab and requires candidates to work onsite 5 days per week.
• This is a contract role with an expected commitment of 30–40 hours per week.
• This is an immediate need, so candidates should be available to interview right away and start shortly after selection.
• This contract role has the potential to convert to a full-time position based on performance, fit, and company needs.

Responsibilities:

Design & Implementation

• Design, develop, and integrate robotic subsystems, including motion control, end-effectors, actuators, motors, and grippers
• Develop and implement motion planning and control approaches for dynamic, constrained environments
• Support hands-on testing, debugging, and iteration of robotic systems in real-world environments

Software Development

• Implement control and planning algorithms using C++ and ROS/ROS2
• Debug and refine robotic behaviors in simulation and real-world systems
• Integrate, test, and iterate software solutions across robotic platforms
• Work with Python and modern C++ in a Linux-based development environment

System-Level Work

• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers on robotic system integration
• Work with scientists to understand workflow pain points, prototype solutions, and support deployment
• Conduct root cause analysis, documentation, and Git repository management
• Contribute as a self-starter who can identify issues, take initiative, and help improve the broader robotics platform

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in CS, ME, EE, AeroE, Robotics, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience
• Hands-on experience working with real-world robotics systems such as robot arms, gantries, actuators, motors, grippers, or similar hardware
• Experience with ROS/ROS2
• Proficiency in Python and modern C++
• Experience debugging robotic behaviors in simulation and/or real-world systems
• Comfortable working in Linux and using Git workflows
• Strong robotics project, research, internship, capstone, or early professional experience
• Adaptable and hands-on mindset, excited by fast-paced startup environments
• Ability to work onsite in Boston 30+ hours per week

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with robotic simulators such as PyBullet, MuJoCo, or Gazebo
• Experience with computer vision or AI-based robotic control
• Experience with build systems, containerization, or Docker
• Understanding of Linux resource management, networking, or system packaging
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT or CAN
• Exposure to biotech, lab automation, wet-lab environments, or scientific instrumentation

Perks & Growth Opportunities

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Potential path to full-time conversion based on performance, fit, and company needs
• Immersive experience in startup building, with exposure to product, strategy, fundraising, and operations
• Work at the forefront of innovation, combining AI, robotics, and life sciences
• End-to-end involvement, from concept development to commercial deployment
• Cross-functional collaboration with engineers, scientists, and industry leaders
• Hands-on access to emerging technologies in automation, robotics, computer vision, and cloud infrastructure
• Direct impact on the future of scientific workflows through cutting-edge lab automation
• Tap into a broad innovation ecosystem and network through our residency at MassRobotics in Boston