sanctuary
🤖 Job Title: Senior Robotics Controls Engineer – Hand Control
Location: Vancouver, BC (On-Site)
Department: Hardware Engineering – Controls
Employment Type: Full-Time
🏢 About Sanctuary AI
At Sanctuary AI, we are pioneering the future of humanoid robotics with a bold mission: to create the world’s first human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots. Founded in 2018, our vertically integrated systems combine symbolic logic and foundation model-based learning, enabling robots to perform complex real-world tasks using sensory data across vision, touch, sound, and movement.
Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Startup and operating from a state-of-the-art facility, we’re seeking mission-driven experts ready to tackle the grand challenges of intelligent robotics.
🔍 Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Robotics Controls Engineer to lead the development and integration of advanced control systems for highly dexterous robotic hands. You will be instrumental in translating high-level functionality into real-time, reliable, and responsive robotic performance.
This position requires expertise in control theory, real-time systems, and hands-on hardware implementation.
📌 Key Responsibilities
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Design and implement robust control algorithms for robotic hands using MATLAB/Simulink, C++, and Python
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Integrate control systems with physical robotic hardware and embedded systems
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Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to optimize system performance
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Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and iterative refinement of controllers
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Evaluate how mechanical and hardware design choices impact control behavior
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Drive testing, validation, and optimization of control systems for reliability and dexterity
📚 Required Qualifications
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MS or Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, OR equivalent practical experience
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Demonstrated hands-on experience implementing robotic control software directly on hardware
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Proficiency in C++ and Python
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Strong experience using MATLAB/Simulink for control development
🛠️ Preferred Skills & Knowledge
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Familiarity with robotic kinematics/dynamics libraries (e.g., Pinocchio, Drake, MuJoCo)
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Experience with HIL systems and real-time control environments
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Cross-disciplinary experience at the intersection of hardware, controls, and embedded systems
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Exposure to mechanism design, hydraulics, and sensor fusion
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Background in machine learning applications in robotics (e.g., Reinforcement Learning, Behavior Cloning)
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Experience with documentation/project tools like Confluence and Jira
💡 Ideal Traits
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Driven by mission impact, with a “whatever it takes” mindset
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Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to resolve technical or team conflicts constructively
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Proactive communicator and team collaborator
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Thrives in ambiguity and adapts quickly to new challenges
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Passionate about merging human-like intelligence with physical embodiment
💼 What We Offer
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Competitive salary + equity compensation
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Full health benefits and paid time off
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Access to advanced R&D labs and high-tech facilities
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Dynamic, innovation-focused environment
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Flexible worksite policy (based on role)
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Opportunity to shape the future of robotics alongside world-class talent
🌈 Diversity & Inclusion Commitment
Sanctuary AI is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diverse backgrounds and foster an inclusive culture based on merit, innovation, and respect.
🚫 Recruitment Agency Notice
Sanctuary AI does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. Any candidate presented to us without a pre-existing agreement will be considered unsolicited and may be engaged with no obligation to pay fees.
