About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is for a Principal Robotics Engineer focused on innovating and prototyping new robotic concepts. You'll work hands-on in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and validate solutions that will influence future iRobot products.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have a strong background in robotics or electro-mechanical engineering, with experience in developing full-stack robotic systems. You should be comfortable in a dynamic setting, eager to tackle undefined problems, and able to work collaboratively.

Worth noting

The position emphasizes rapid prototyping and innovation, which may appeal to those who enjoy a hands-on approach. The collaboration with teams in China suggests potential for a global perspective, but the role may involve navigating time zone challenges.

Salary Range: $116,500.00 - $166,500.00

Introduction

iRobot is seeking passionate and bright individuals to join our iRobot Labs innovation team within the R&D engineering organization. We are looking for a Principal Robotics Engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on prototyping environment. You will play a critical role in developing and validating new robotic concepts—working across multiple innovation programs simultaneously to quickly prove feasibility and reduce technical risk. Success in this role requires strong technical fundamentals, curiosity, and the ability to leverage modern tools to solve evolving, often undefined problems.
This role is based in Bedford, MA and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams in China.
Your work will have a direct impact on iRobot’s product portfolio and roadmap.

What you will do:

Innovate through concept development and rapid prototype fabrication and evaluation that will feed future iRobot product
Lead innovation initiatives through subject matter guidance, system design and development of robots and robotic solutions for our next generation products.
Research, explore and drive cutting edge technology, algorithms and solutions that enable new innovative solutions for our product portfolio.
Work at the intersection of hardware and software, navigation and system architecture, to research, explore and develop new innovative solutions.
Work within agile cross-functional teams supporting consumer-centric design solutions from early concept up to productization, ensuring iRobot’s technology pipeline is supplying growth and innovation for the future
Solve problems pragmatically, applying judgment and experience to identify and balance trade-offs.
Collaborate with consumer insights and product management teams to understand customer needs and ensure we are delivering on the vision of the product
Create comprehensive documentation packages to enable scaled implementation on NPI programs
Drive technical alignment across multiple disciplines on a system level.

To Be Successful You Will Have:

M.S or B.S in Robotics Engineering, Electro-Mechanical or equivalent degree
Experience or understanding of robotics solutions including sensor selection and implementation, system design, and electromechanical integration.
Experience with developing and testing full stack robotic systems.
Ability to analyze and debug large, complicated systems
A strong foundation in early research and development, and a high level of comfort working on ambiguous problems
High self-motivation with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently across time-zones
Curiosity, a passion for engineering, and an eagerness to apply cutting edge technology to help us evolve our products and deliver novel solutions to our customers
Experience collaborating with China-based teams is highly preferred.
Mandarin language proficiency is a plus.

In Return You Can Expect:

To work on the Innovation organization leading the technology roadmap of a top robotics company.
To work on the cutting edge of robotics with the largest installed base of consumer robots
To be welcomed as an integral part of a team dedicated to building robots
Opportunities to continuously learn and collaborate with our innovative and knowledgeable technical staff including leading scientists
A work environment filled with committed researchers and engineers who value and act on new ideas

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of any additional employment visas at this time.

Aplyr's read

iRobot is at the forefront of consumer robotics, attracting talent passionate about innovation in home automation and intelligent systems.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•iRobot is a leader in consumer robotics with a strong market presence.
•The company invests heavily in AI and machine learning for product development.
•iRobot offers diverse roles in digital platforms and sales, indicating growth.

What to watch

•iRobot faces intense competition from other tech giants in the robotics space.
•The company is susceptible to supply chain disruptions affecting production.
•iRobot's market is primarily consumer-focused, limiting diversification opportunities.

Why iRobot