Principal Robotics Engineer (Robotics Solutions & Integration)

About Venti Technologies

Based in the U.S. and Asia, Venti Technologies is the leader in safe‑speed autonomous logistics systems, developing the future of goods transportation. Using rigorous mathematics, deep learning, and theoretically‑grounded algorithms, Venti has a proprietary collection of autonomy technologies including a suite of powerful logistics algorithms. Venti’s proven value proposition of saving costs, increasing vehicle utilization, and improving safety is recognized by customers and driving growth. Launched in 2018, Venti brings together an unsurpassed team internationally. The company has autonomous systems deployed in Asia for industrial and logistics sites and a growing pipeline. Venti has offices in Cambridge (Massachusetts, USA), Suzhou (China), and Singapore – our Asian headquarters.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Staff Research Scientist, Localization and Mapping to serve as a principal technical authority for our multi‑disciplinary autonomy teams. In this individual contributor (IC) role, you will champion the research roadmap, essential tool developments, scalable map generation, scaling of simulation regression tests, and live autonomy stack core modules for safety‑critical applications on driverless trucks in complex logistics yards.

Our autonomy solutions must overcome environmental challenges not limited to high vibration/shock (industrial vehicle platforms/loads), high environmental change (shipping container stock variance), high occlusions from large actors/structures, all‑weather 24‑hour everyday operational demands, and high‑precision alignments for parking or interfacing with specialized logistics equipment.

We are seeking a highly experienced and hands‑on robotics engineer to lead the evaluation, development, and deployment of robotic automation solutions for autonomous vehicle operations in ports, intermodal rail yards, and logistics hubs.

The initial focus of this role will be autonomous trailer coupling operations, including automated connection and disconnection of air brake (gladhand) and electrical interfaces. This capability is a key enabler for fully driverless terminal operations.

The successful candidate will evaluate existing technologies, robotics suppliers, and research solutions, define system requirements, lead proof‑of‑concept activities, and drive integration into Venti's autonomous vehicle platform. Where suitable solutions do not exist, the candidate will be expected to develop and prototype new robotic capabilities.

This role requires a combination of technical leadership, system engineering, hands‑on development capability, and strong build‑versus‑buy judgment.

Key Responsibilities

Solution Evaluation & Technology Strategy

Evaluate robotics, automation, sensing, and manipulation solutions from vendors, startups, and research institutions.

Conduct technical due diligence and gap analysis.

Develop build‑versus‑buy recommendations.

Identify opportunities to leverage existing technologies before pursuing custom development.

Vendor Engagement

Engage with robotics vendors, automation suppliers, and research partners.

Define technical requirements and interface specifications.

Establish performance benchmarks and validation criteria.

System Architecture & Integration

Define overall robotic automation architecture.

Integrate robotic systems with Automated Terminal Tractors (ATTs).

Define mechanical, electrical, software, and safety interfaces.

Support deployment, testing, and field validation.

Robotics Development & Prototyping

Where commercial solutions are insufficient, design and prototype robotic manipulation solutions.

Develop perception, localization, and control algorithms.

Design end‑effectors and automation mechanisms.

Implement robotic motion planning and controls.

Analyze operational data and improve system robustness and reliability.

Required Experience & Qualifications

PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or a closely related discipline with a strong focus on robotics.

8+ years of robotics industry experience, preferably involving real‑world deployment of robotic systems.

Proven track record delivering robotic solutions from concept through deployment.

Experience evaluating, selecting, and integrating third‑party robotics technologies.

Familiarity with industrial robotic platforms such as ABB, Fanuc, KUKA, Yaskawa, Universal Robots, Franka, or equivalent systems.

Deep expertise in several of the following areas:

Robotic manipulation and industrial robotics

Motion planning and robot controls

Computer vision and pose estimation

Sensor fusion and perception systems

Industrial automation and system integration

Safety‑critical robotic systems

Hands‑on experience with C++, Python, ROS/ROS2, MoveIt or equivalent robotics frameworks and robot kinematics and controls.

Proven ability to independently develop prototypes, validate approaches, and troubleshoot field issues.

Bonus Experience

Experience with modern AI‑driven robotics approaches, including:

End‑to‑end robotic learning systems

Vision‑Language‑Action (VLA)/VLM models

Learning‑based manipulation

Imitation learning

Reinforcement learning

Foundation models for robotics

If you are ready to apply your skills and creativity to the most impactful challenges in autonomous logistics, we would love to hear from you.

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