Senior Software Engineer, Full Stack

Job Description

Chef Robotics is accelerating the deployment of intelligent machines in the physical world, starting with food production—a sector facing the largest labor shortage in the U.S., with 1.14M unfilled jobs today and 3.1M projected by 2030. These roles cannot be offshored, making robotics essential to keeping production onshore and strengthening America’s manufacturing base. Backed by investors like Kleiner Perkins, Construct, Bloomberg Beta, and Promus Ventures, and supported by a world-class team from companies such as Cruise, Zoox, Google, Tesla, and Amazon Robotics, Chef is rapidly scaling with multiple multi-year contracts and a mission to put an intelligent robot in every commercial kitchen.

About the Role

As a Senior Software Engineer, Full Stack at Chef Robotics, you'll play a key role in developing cloud-based applications that power our intelligent automation platform. Initially focused on building cloud dashboards that enable line workers to operate and control Chef systems and allow customers to program the system efficiently, this role will evolve to encompass extensive backend, cloud, and infrastructure projects. You'll work on provisioning robots for seamless deployment, enabling remote software updates, and developing systems for real-time remote robot control. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge robotics technology and shape the software that powers the future of food automation.

As a small team, we are focused on building a positive in-office culture. We are looking for individuals who are available to work onsite at the office five days a week and can work start-up-oriented hours.Frontend Development & User Experience

Own the development and maintenance of the HMI dashboard, ensuring an intuitive and responsive user experience

Design and implement modern TypeScript frontend solutions using React, Next.js, and Vite

Implement 3D rendering features in the UI using Three.js or Three Fiber for enhanced visualization

Create user-facing interfaces optimized for autonomy and robotics operations

Develop internal tools and dashboards using Retool for monitoring and administrationBackend & API Development

Design and implement robust backend solutions that integrate with autonomy runtime systems

Build performant REST APIs using Node/Express, Python FastAPI, or similar frameworks

Expand REST API capabilities for non-autonomy actions and system control

Integrate real-time pub/sub communication with the autonomy runtime via WebSockets

Maintain secure and efficient data pipelines between on-device and cloud servicesDatabase & System Integration

Work with relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB) and ORM libraries (SQLAlchemy, Prisma, Sequelize)

Collaborate with autonomy, robotics, and cloud teams to create seamless interfaces between Chef systems and operators

Interface with ROS or similar autonomy runtime systems

Optimize system performance and reliability, addressing latency, scalability, and fault toleranceCloud Infrastructure & Deployment

Improve the performance and reliability of cloud services supporting the Chef system

Work on provisioning robots for seamless deployment across customer environments

Enable remote software updates to enhance performance and reliability

Develop systems for real-time remote robot control and monitoringRequired Qualifications - Technical Expertise

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience

5+ years of professional experience in full stack development roles

Strong proficiency with modern TypeScript frontend frameworks (React, Next.js, Vite)

Extensive experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB) and ORM libraries (SQLAlchemy, Prisma, Sequelize)

Proven experience building performant REST APIs using Node/Express, Python FastAPI, Ruby on Rails, or similar frameworks

Understanding of cloud infrastructure and deployment practices

Experience with real-time communication systems and WebSocket implementationDomain Knowledge

Understanding of system performance optimization including latency, scalability, and fault tolerance

Experience with secure data pipeline design and implementation

Knowledge of modern development practices and CI/CD workflows

Familiarity with cloud-based application architecturePersonal Attributes

Strong problem-solving skills with a systematic approach to complex technical challenges

Excellence in technical communication and cross-functional collaboration

Proactive mindset in identifying opportunities for system improvements

Comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment with startup-oriented hours

Commitment to working onsite five days a week to contribute to positive in-office culture

Passion for robotics and automation technologyDesired Qualifications

Experience building user-facing interfaces for autonomy, robotics, industrial automation, or edge/IoT devices

Experience interfacing with ROS (Robot Operating System) or similar autonomy runtime systems

Experience with Python web servers (FastAPI, Flask, Django, Tornado)

Experience rendering 3D scenes in React using Three.js or Three Fiber

Background in food production, manufacturing, or industrial automation

Knowledge of containerization and orchestration technologies

Familiarity with monitoring and observability tools for distributed systemsKey Projects You'll Work On

Enhancing the HMI dashboard for improved usability and responsiveness

Integrating real-time pub/sub communication with the autonomy runtime via WebSockets

Expanding REST API capabilities for non-autonomy actions

Improving the performance and reliability of cloud services supporting the Chef system

Implementing 3D rendering features in the UI using Three.js or Three Fiber

Developing systems for remote robot provisioning and software updates

Chef is an early-stage startup where equity is a major part of the compensation package. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

In addition to salary and early-stage equity, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, commuter benefits, flexible paid time off (PTO), catered lunch, and 401(k) matching.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Full-time

Hybrid remote