About Whelix

Whelix builds intelligent robots that automate the cell culture process for biotech and pharmaceutical research. By integrating AI agents with proprietary engineered robotics, our systems eliminate repetitive, error-prone workflows - freeing scientists to focus on discovery while increasing experimental throughput, reproducibility, and scientific impact.

We're a Boston-based startup with an additional office in Pittsburgh, actively piloting with leading research institutions and preparing for commercial launch.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Robotics Software Engineer contractor/intern to help design, build, and test robotic systems for cell culture automation.

This role is ideal for an early-career robotics engineer, recent graduate, or advanced student with hands-on robotics experience through internships, research, capstone projects, or early professional work.

You will work closely with Whelix's technical team to support the development of robotic systems that manipulate human-centric lab tools, translate workflows into automated systems, and help advance the platform from pilot stage toward commercial readiness.

This is a hands-on opportunity for someone who enjoys building, experimenting, debugging real-world systems, and solving practical engineering challenges in a fast-paced startup environment.

**Please note:

• This is an onsite role based at Whelix's Boston office/lab and requires candidates to work onsite 5 days per week.
• This is a contract role with an expected commitment of 30-40 hours per week.
• This is an immediate need, so candidates should be available to interview right away and start shortly after selection.
• This contract role has the potential to convert to a full-time position based on performance, fit, and company needs.

Responsibilities:

Design & Implementation

• Design, develop, and integrate robotic subsystems, including motion control, end-effectors, actuators, motors, and grippers
• Develop and implement motion planning and control approaches for dynamic, constrained environments
• Support hands-on testing, debugging, and iteration of robotic systems in real-world environments

Software Development

• Implement control and planning algorithms using C++ and ROS/ROS2
• Debug and refine robotic behaviors in simulation and real-world systems
• Integrate, test, and iterate software solutions across robotic platforms
• Work with Python and modern C++ in a Linux-based development environment

System-Level Work

• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers on robotic system integration
• Work with scientists to understand workflow pain points, prototype solutions, and support deployment
• Conduct root cause analysis, documentation, and Git repository management
• Contribute as a self-starter who can identify issues, take initiative, and help improve the broader robotics platform

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in CS, ME, EE, AeroE, Robotics, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience
• Hands-on experience working with real-world robotics systems such as robot arms, gantries, actuators, motors, grippers, or similar hardware
• Experience with ROS/ROS2
• Proficiency in Python and modern C++
• Experience debugging robotic behaviors in simulation and/or real-world systems
• Comfortable working in Linux and using Git workflows
• Strong robotics project, research, internship, capstone, or early professional experience
• Adaptable and hands-on mindset, excited by fast-paced startup environments
• Ability to work onsite in Boston 30+ hours per week

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with robotic simulators such as PyBullet, MuJoCo, or Gazebo
• Experience with computer vision or AI-based robotic control
• Experience with build systems, containerization, or Docker
• Understanding of Linux resource management, networking, or system packaging
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT or CAN
• Exposure to biotech, lab automation, wet-lab environments, or scientific instrumentation

Perks & Growth Opportunities

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Potential path to full-time conversion based on performance, fit, and company needs
• Immersive experience in startup building, with exposure to product, strategy, fundraising, and operations
• Work at the forefront of innovation, combining AI, robotics, and life sciences
• End-to-end involvement, from concept development to commercial deployment
• Cross-functional collaboration with engineers, scientists, and industry leaders
• Hands-on access to emerging technologies in automation, robotics, computer vision, and cloud infrastructure
• Direct impact on the future of scientific workflows through cutting-edge lab automation
• Tap into a broad innovation ecosystem and network through our residency at MassRobotics in Boston