Senior Real Time Software Engineer

💻 Job Title: Senior Real-Time Software Engineer

Location: Vancouver, BC (On-Site)
Department: Hardware Engineering – Controls
Job Type: Full-Time

🧠 About Sanctuary AI

Sanctuary AI is redefining robotics by building the world’s first general-purpose humanoid robots powered by human-like intelligence. Founded in 2018, we integrate symbolic reasoning and multimodal AI foundation models with vertically integrated robotic systems. Our robots learn directly from the real world—capturing touch, vision, audio, and proprioceptive data—enabling smarter, more responsive machine behaviors. Recognized by LinkedIn as a Top Startup, Sanctuary AI operates out of a state-of-the-art facility in Vancouver, BC.

🔧 Role Overview

We are looking for a Senior Real-Time Software Engineer to join our Real-Time Systems team. In this mission-critical role, you will build scalable, low-latency control software frameworks that enable seamless coordination between robot hardware and high-level AI behaviors. Reporting directly to the Real-Time Software Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in optimizing the control pipeline for real-time robotic motion, manipulation, and embodiment.

🚀 Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement robust real-time software systems for humanoid robots
• Validate real-time applications integrated with AI workloads and close system-level performance gaps
• Lead efforts to scale hardware interface layers and robot embodiment support
• Collaborate cross-functionally with AI/ML, hardware, infrastructure, and program teams
• Configure and optimize real-time Linux environments for deterministic performance
• Debug performance-critical systems across hardware, kernel, middleware, and application layers
• Share knowledge through mentorship, code reviews, documentation, and internal presentations

🎓 Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or Robotics with 5+ years’ industry experience, or Master’s degree with relevant expertise
• Deep experience in real-time systems, robotic control, and ROS 2 integration
• Proven success delivering motion control software for robotic systems
• Strong hardware/software debugging skills across the full stack

🧰 Preferred Skills & Tools

• Proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time application development
• Expertise in Linux system tuning for real-time, multi-threaded environments
• Extensive ROS 2 and DDS experience for control systems integration
• Hands-on experience configuring EtherCAT networks for robotic applications
• Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink for control system modeling and simulation
• Exposure to computer vision pipelines, including video streaming and camera interfacing
• Strong communication skills and technical documentation capabilities

🧬 Traits We Value

• Positive, ownership-driven mindset with a strong sense of accountability
• Strong interpersonal skills and a bias for collaborative problem-solving
• Passion for innovation and the development of general-purpose intelligent robots
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-ambiguity R&D environment

💰 Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary with equity participation
• Full suite of health benefits and paid time off
• Access to cutting-edge tools and high-performance workspaces
• Flexible worksite options where role-appropriate
• Total compensation package designed to exceed industry benchmarks

🌍 Diversity & Inclusion

Sanctuary AI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and hire based on skills, qualifications, and merit—without regard to race, religion, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.