Senior Real Time Software Engineer Role at Sanctuary AI in Vancouver

🛠️ Job Title: Senior Real-Time Software Engineer

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

🤖 About Sanctuary AI

Founded in 2018, Sanctuary AI is building the world’s first general-purpose robots with human-like intelligence. Our vertically integrated approach combines symbolic reasoning and data-driven robot foundation models, allowing us to collect rich multimodal data and continuously improve robot performance in real-world environments. Our mission is bold — to create the first human-equivalent intelligence in a machine.

We are proud to be recognized as a LinkedIn Top Startup, and we recently relocated to a cutting-edge facility to support our next phase of innovation.

🔍 The Opportunity

Sanctuary AI is seeking a highly skilled Senior Real-Time Software Engineer to join our Real-Time Systems Team. This is a mission-critical role focused on low-latency, deterministic control software for humanoid robots. Reporting to the Real-Time Software Lead, you’ll help scale robotic control systems that interface seamlessly with advanced AI workloads.

📈 What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Developing and scaling real-time software frameworks to support general-purpose humanoid robots
• Bridging real-time low-latency systems with high-level AI behaviors
• Supporting robotic embodiment and dexterous manipulation capabilities
• Leading integration efforts across hardware, control, and AI domains
• Contributing to internal best practices and mentoring peers
• Collaborating cross-functionally with AI/ML teams, hardware engineers, system integrators, and program managers
• Validating and optimizing real-time applications for performance, stability, and responsiveness

🧩 What We’re Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering
• 5+ years industry experience in real-time control systems, or a relevant Master’s degree with project exposure
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python
• Hands-on expertise with Real-Time Linux, ROS 2, DDS, and multi-threaded performance tuning
• Proven ability to deliver motion control software and robotics integration projects
• Experience debugging across hardware/software boundaries

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with EtherCAT, including master/slave setup for real-time applications
• Working knowledge of computer vision, camera systems, and streaming protocols
• Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink for control algorithm simulation
• Advanced system-level performance profiling and optimization
• Strong documentation, code review, and technical presentation skills

🧠 Key Traits for Success

• Proactive, positive attitude and passion for building robust, mission-ready systems
• Ownership mindset and accountability for results
• Strong collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution skills
• Commitment to Sanctuary’s mission to bring human-like intelligence to machines

💼 What We Offer

• Competitive Salary + Equity Compensation
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Paid time off and flexible worksite policies
• State-of-the-art facility in Vancouver
• Culture of innovation, continuous learning, and transparency

🌐 Sanctuary AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to building an inclusive, respectful workplace that celebrates diverse perspectives. Employment decisions are based solely on skills, qualifications, and merit.