Director Human Robot Interaction Jobs in Chicago, IL

https://lightspeed.build/

LightSpeed Build Technologies is revolutionizing the construction industry through AI-powered robotics. Our flagship systems-BRUTE for automated wall panel manufacturing and DEX for on-site collaborative construction-are addressing the global housing crisis by delivering unprecedented speed, precision, and affordability in homebuilding.

As a Senior Robotics Engineer, you will design, develop, and deploy the core robotic control systems powering LightSpeed's construction automation platforms. You will work hands-on with industrial robots, developing motion planning algorithms, real-time control software, and sensor integration systems that enable our BRUTE and DEX platforms to achieve sub-millimeter precision in demanding construction environments. This role demands deep robotics expertise, strong software skills, and the ability to bridge the gap between simulation and real-world deployment.

• Develop and optimize ROS2-based control architectures for multi-robot coordination in manufacturing cells
• Implement motion planning and trajectory optimization using MoveIt2 and custom planners for complex assembly tasks
• Design real-time pose synchronization systems for coordinated multi-robot operations
• Build and maintain robot driver interfaces for Hyundai industrial robots and collaborative robot arms
• Develop collision avoidance and safety monitoring systems for human-robot collaborative environments

• Build high-fidelity simulation environments using MuJoCo, IsaacSIM, and Gazebo for system validation before deployment
• Develop digital twin frameworks linking physical robot cells to simulation models for predictive analysis
• Create automated testing pipelines for robotics software using hardware-in-the-loop simulation
• Validate control algorithms in simulation before deploying to production robot cells

• Integrate and calibrate sensor systems including LIDAR, depth cameras, force/torque sensors, and encoders
• Develop sensor fusion algorithms for precise robot localization and workpiece tracking
• Implement real-time quality monitoring using sensor feedback during automated assembly operations
• Design calibration procedures and drift compensation for production environments

• Deploy robotic control systems to production cells and troubleshoot field issues
• Integrate robot control with LightSpeed Overwatch monitoring platform via Python/FastAPI
• Optimize robot cycle times, path planning, and operational efficiency in production
• Support scaling from current cell deployments to multi-site operations

• 5+ years of hands-on robotics engineering with industrial or collaborative robot systems
• Deep proficiency in ROS2 architecture, node lifecycle management, and real-time communication patterns
• Hands-on experience with MoveIt2 or MoveIt Pro for motion planning and manipulation
• Strong understanding of robot kinematics, dynamics, and control theory
• Experience with physics-based robotics simulators: MuJoCo, IsaacSIM, or Gazebo

• Strong programming in Python and C++ for real-time robotics applications
• Experience with real-time operating systems and deterministic control loops
• Proficiency with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and modern development workflows
• Understanding of industrial networking protocols (EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP)

• MS or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Experience with industrial platforms: Hyundai, FANUC, ABB, KUKA, or Universal Robots
• Background in construction technology, automated manufacturing, or prefabrication
• Experience with real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT) and low-latency control systems
• Contributions to open-source robotics projects (ROS2, MoveIt, or related)
• Published research or patents in robotics, motion planning, or control systems

• Solve hard robotics problems: multi-robot coordination, sub-millimeter precision, real-world deployment at scale
• Direct impact: your control systems power robots that build homes and address the housing crisis
• Cutting-edge stack: ROS2, MuJoCo, IsaacSIM, MoveIt2, and custom industrial automation
• Hands-on culture: work directly with physical robots in our manufacturing facility
• Competitive compensation including salary, equity participation, and comprehensive benefits

This position is at-will, meaning either you or the Company may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.

LightSpeed Build Technologies is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences.