Contract Robotic Simulation Engineer Jobs in Missouri

Engineering moves at software speed. Manufacturing doesn't. Yet.

Machina Labs is changing that. We build intelligent, software‑defined factories that produce complex metal structures directly from digital design. By integrating advanced metal forming, robotics, and automated production inside a flexible factory architecture, we enable customers to move from prototype to production in weeks, not years.

Backed by Lockheed Martin, Toyota, and NVIDIA, we’re rebuilding the manufacturing infrastructure that defense, aerospace, and advanced mobility programs will run on.

If you want to work on hard problems that matter and see them fly, drive, and defend, this is the place.

Machina Labs is seeking a Senior Product Manager to lead the development of software systems that translate digital designs into robotic manufacturing instructions.

At the core of Machina’s platform is a software stack that converts CAD models into precise robotic toolpaths used to drive our RoboCraftsman manufacturing cells. This role will contribute to shaping the product direction for our pre‑cell software tools, including path planning and slicing applications, geometric simulation for collision detection and validation, and factory coordination systems that support production operations across multiple facilities.

You will define product strategy, manage the software roadmap, and lead sprint execution while working closely with engineers and internal users. This role partners directly with robotic processing engineers and manufacturing teams who rely on these tools daily, ensuring the software enables efficient, reliable robotic manufacturing at scale.

The Senior Product Manager will also collaborate closely with the Product Lead and executive leadership to ensure software development aligns with Machina Labs’ broader product and manufacturing strategy.

Own the Software Tools Roadmap:

• Define and drive the roadmap for Machina Labs’ pre‑cell software tools.


• Prioritize product initiatives, manage tradeoffs, and communicate product direction to engineering and leadership teams.


• Align software development priorities with broader company product and manufacturing goals.

Lead Development of Path Planning & Slicing Tools:

• Own the development of Machina’s path planning and slicing platform, which converts CAD inputs into robot programs.


• Define the product vision and feature roadmap as the system evolves from a scrappy internal tool into a production‑grade application.


• Ensure the platform supports robust workflows for process engineers operating robotic forming systems.

Develop Simulation & Validation Capabilities:

• Own geometric simulation capabilities used to verify toolpaths prior to execution.


• Drive development of visualization, collision detection, and toolpath validation tools that ensure safe and reliable robotic execution.


• Enable engineers to confidently validate robot programs before running them in production environments.

Support Factory Coordination Software:

• Contribute to software systems that support coordination across multiple Machina Labs facilities.


• Help define tools that support scheduling, quoting, and production tracking as the company scales manufacturing operations.

Drive Product Execution:

• Run sprint planning and agile development cycles for the software team.


• Write clear product requirement documents to guide engineering implementation.


• Manage product delivery from discovery through release.

User Research & Product Discovery:

• Conduct direct user research with Machina’s internal process engineers and manufacturing teams.


• Develop a deep understanding of workflows, pain points, and opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.


• Translate user insights into product improvements and new feature development.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.


• 5+ years of product management experience in technical software environments.


• Proven experience delivering complex software products from concept through release.


• Strong ability to define product problems, manage tradeoffs, and drive engineering execution.


• Deep curiosity about users and ability to translate workflow needs into effective product solutions.


• Experience collaborating closely with engineering teams in technical environments.


• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Master’s degree in a technical discipline, engineering field, or MBA.


• Experience working with digital fabrication tools, such as 3D printing, CAM systems, or robotics software.


• Prior experience building computationally complex software products, particularly involving geometry, path planning, or simulation.


• Familiarity with manufacturing workflows, robotics systems, or advanced fabrication environments.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this role. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.

$130,000 - $180,000 a year

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location.

In addition to the provided base salary range, comprehensive benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision), PTO, and Stock Options.

Machina Labs is an affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with state and federal law.

We endeavor to make the job application process accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at (888)444-9777. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.