Head of Robot Software, Large Behavior Models at Toyota Research Institute

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Robotics, Artificial IntelligenceIndustries

Requirements

10+ years writing software for customer-deployed robots or autonomous vehicles, covering the full lifecycle of software, from design to development to deployment
Expert in C++ and Python
Deep familiarity with modern robot software stacks, including middleware, messaging, timing, and high-throughput logging
Demonstrated success leading teams that ship real-world robotics software and scaling engineering orgs
Exceptional communicator who thrives in a collaborative, cross-functional, and fast-moving environment
Bonus Qualifications
Experience integrating ML-based autonomy into real-time systems
Expertise in cloud-scale telemetry and data architectures

Responsibilities

Own the Stack: Lead architecting and delivery of the full robot software stack including middleware, control loops, logging pipelines, and immersive teleoperation interfaces
Hands-On Ownership: Build and optimize our mixed C++/Python codebase; troubleshoot complex robot systems; and create intuitive and capable robots
Build & Scale: Lead sprint planning, drive adoption high-quality engineering best practices; recruit and mentor engineers to ensure technical excellence across the team
Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with hardware, AI, and deployment teams to move from prototype to production

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

DrakeRobotics SoftwareMachine LearningLarge Behavior ModelsAISoftware ArchitectureRobotics Stack

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience is required for the Head of Robot Software role?

Candidates need a proven hands-on track record with 10+ years writing software for customer-deployed robots or autonomous vehicles, covering the full lifecycle.

What are the main responsibilities of this position?

Responsibilities include owning the full robot software stack (middleware, control loops, logging, teleoperation), hands-on building and optimizing C++/Python codebase, leading sprint planning and team scaling, and collaborating cross-functionally with hardware, AI, and deployment teams.

Is this a remote position or does it require on-site work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What kind of team will I be joining?

You'll join Toyota Research Institute’s LBM-C division, leading a team to create and ship useful general-purpose AI-driven robots, with collaboration across hardware, AI, and deployment teams.

Toyota Research Institute

Research in mobility, safety, and automation

About Toyota Research Institute

Toyota Research Institute focuses on improving mobility through research and development in the automotive and technology sectors. The company works on enhancing safety, automated driving, robotics, materials science, and machine learning. Their products include advanced safety features and automated driving systems that aim to make driving safer and more efficient. Unlike many competitors, TRI emphasizes a research-driven approach, collaborating with various partners and licensing their innovations to enhance Toyota's offerings and maintain a competitive edge. The goal of TRI is to advance mobility solutions that improve quality of life and support the transition to zero-emissions transportation.

Los Altos, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2016Year Founded

$100MTotal Funding

SEEDCompany Stage

Robotics & Automation, Automotive & Transportation, AI & Machine LearningIndustries

201-500Employees

Benefits

Highly competitive benefits package

Robust programs to support the wellbeing, happiness, and health of our people and their families.

401(k) plan including matching and annual profit sharing along with total vacation and holidays totaling 38 days per year.

Subsidized commuter benefits and generous employee and vehicle allowances

2 paid days per year to participate in volunteer activities.

Maternity Leave program with 10 paid weeks plus baby bonding leave and Milk Stork for traveling moms

Baby Bonding Leave–an additional 16 paid weeks–to all new parents, including those who choose to adopt.

Back-up child and adult / elder care programs to help everyone thrive

WellBeats Virtual Fitness Trainer.

Risks

Public skepticism may undermine AI-assisted driving safety initiatives.

Boston Dynamics' high costs could impact TRI's humanoid robot project returns.

Complexity of real-world environments may delay TRI's robot skill deployment.

Differentiation

TRI focuses on AI to enhance human life and mobility.

Partnerships with Boston Dynamics and Stanford showcase TRI's collaborative innovation.

TRI's Driving Sensei concept integrates AI to improve driver skills and engagement.

Upsides

Generative AI allows TRI's robots to learn complex tasks without new coding.

TRI's AI-driven material synthesis could revolutionize EV battery development.

Autonomous tandem drifting collaboration with Stanford pushes vehicle dynamics boundaries.

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