Perception Engineer
San Francisco
Engineering – Perception/Computer Vision /
Full Time /
On-site
About Our Team
Chef Robotics is on a mission to accelerate the advent of intelligent machines in the physical world. As the rise of LLMs like ChatGPT has shown, AI has the potential to drive immense change. However, we believe AI’s biggest impact will be in the physical world, given industries like manufacturing, food, and transportation represent 90% of global GDP. We're starting with food, with a goal to put an intelligent robot in every commercial kitchen in the world. We have signed multiple multi-year contracts with various large food companies and we are growing fast. We're backed by investors like Kleiner Perkins, Construct, Bloomberg BETA and Promus Ventures. We have a great team, where you will be surrounded by talented engineers and tech leaders from companies like Cruise, Zoox, Google, Verb Surgical, Tesla, Nuro, Vicarious, Amazon Robotics, Strateos, Built Robotics, Facebook, Plenty, Yelp, and Microsoft.
About the Role
We’re looking for a Perception Engineer to join our team and tackle sensor-focused challenges that directly shape the performance and reliability of our robots. In this role, you'll take ownership of projects ranging from integrating cutting-edge camera systems to developing advanced perception models. Your work will be key to enhancing our robots’ ability to understand and interact with their environment.
In this role, you will:
- Explore and integrate new sensors, particularly cameras, to improve robot perception.
- Develop and optimize perception models (detection, segmentation, classification) using classical and deep learning techniques.
- Calibrate cameras and refine sensor alignment for accurate real-world performance.
- Work on ML infrastructure, including data collection, annotation, and model training pipelines.
- Implement sensor fusion techniques to combine data from multiple sources.
- Develop tracking algorithms to improve object identification and movement prediction.
- Manipulate 3D geometry, including point cloud processing and camera transforms.
- Scale and refine perception infrastructure to support our company’s growth.
- Collaborate with the robotics team to transition to modern platforms and technologies.
- Develop new perception models to support expanding customer needs and meal types.
- Improve and scale our perception infrastructure to meet growing demand.
- Assist in integrating new cameras and sensors for enhanced robotic vision.
- Contribute to system-wide improvements that increase efficiency and accuracy.
What You Bring:
- BS, MS, or PhD in computer science, robotics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field.
- Practical experience shipping working perception systems.
- 5+ years of research and industry experience in machine/deep learning and computer vision.
- Strong proficiency in Python (core language for development).
- Experience with deep learning frameworks (preferably PyTorch or TensorFlow).
- Expertise in ROS (Robot Operating System) or similar robotics frameworks.
- Hands-on experience working with hardware and sensors.
- Strong software development skills, with a focus on deploying production-ready code.
Nice-to-have:
- C++ proficiency for performance optimization.
- Cloud development experience (Google Cloud or AWS).
- Docker and containerization expertise.
- Experience working in robotics start-ups or fast-paced environments.
- Deep understanding of camera calibration and perception sensors.
$100,000 - $225,000 a year
Chef is an early-stage startup where equity is a major part of the compensation package. As the company secures more capital, we will gradually increase salary and cash compensation. The starting salary will depend on seniority.
In addition to salary and early-stage equity, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, commuter benefits, flexible paid time off (PTO), catered lunch, and 401(k) matching.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizen status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, age, pregnancy status, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability, or any other protected status.
Multiple studies have found that a higher percentage of women and BIPOC candidates won't apply if they don't meet every listed qualification. Chef values candidates of all backgrounds. If you find yourself excited by our mission but you don't check every box in the description, we encourage you to apply anyway!
