About WhelixWhelix builds intelligent robots that automate the cell culture process for biotech and pharmaceutical research. By integrating AI agents with proprietary engineered robotics, our systems eliminate repetitive, error-prone workflows - freeing scientists to focus on discovery while increasing experimental throughput, reproducibility, and scientific impact.
We're a Boston-based startup with an additional office in Pittsburgh, actively piloting with leading research institutions and preparing for commercial launch.
Role OverviewWe are seeking a Robotics Software Engineer contractor/intern to help design, build, and test robotic systems for cell culture automation.
This role is ideal for an early-career robotics engineer, recent graduate, or advanced student with hands-on robotics experience through internships, research, capstone projects, or early professional work.You will work closely with Whelix's technical team to support the development of robotic systems that manipulate human-centric lab tools, translate workflows into automated systems, and help advance the platform from pilot stage toward commercial readiness.
This is a hands-on opportunity for someone who enjoys building, experimenting, debugging real-world systems, and solving practical engineering challenges in a fast-paced startup environment.
**Please note:- This is an onsite role based at Whelix's Boston office/lab and requires candidates to work onsite 5 days per week.
- This is a contract role with an expected commitment of 30-40 hours per week.
- This is an immediate need, so candidates should be available to interview right away and start shortly after selection.
- This contract role has the potential to convert to a full-time position based on performance, fit, and company needs.
Responsibilities:Design & Implementation - Design, develop, and integrate robotic subsystems, including motion control, end-effectors, actuators, motors, and grippers
- Develop and implement motion planning and control approaches for dynamic, constrained environments
- Support hands-on testing, debugging, and iteration of robotic systems in real-world environments
Software Development - Implement control and planning algorithms using C++ and ROS/ROS2
- Debug and refine robotic behaviors in simulation and real-world systems
- Integrate, test, and iterate software solutions across robotic platforms
- Work with Python and modern C++ in a Linux-based development environment
System-Level Work - Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers on robotic system integration
- Work with scientists to understand workflow pain points, prototype solutions, and support deployment
- Conduct root cause analysis, documentation, and Git repository management
- Contribute as a self-starter who can identify issues, take initiative, and help improve the broader robotics platform
Qualifications- BS/MS/PhD in CS, ME, EE, AeroE, Robotics, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience
- Hands-on experience working with real-world robotics systems such as robot arms, gantries, actuators, motors, grippers, or similar hardware
- Experience with ROS/ROS2
- Proficiency in Python and modern C++
- Experience debugging robotic behaviors in simulation and/or real-world systems
- Comfortable working in Linux and using Git workflows
- Strong robotics project, research, internship, capstone, or early professional experience
- Adaptable and hands-on mindset, excited by fast-paced startup environments
- Ability to work onsite in Boston 30+ hours per week
Nice-to-Haves- Experience with robotic simulators such as PyBullet, MuJoCo, or Gazebo
- Experience with computer vision or AI-based robotic control
- Experience with build systems, containerization, or Docker
- Understanding of Linux resource management, networking, or system packaging
- Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT or CAN
- Exposure to biotech, lab automation, wet-lab environments, or scientific instrumentation
Perks & Growth Opportunities- Competitive compensation based on experience
- Potential path to full-time conversion based on performance, fit, and company needs
- Immersive experience in startup building, with exposure to product, strategy, fundraising, and operations
- Work at the forefront of innovation, combining AI, robotics, and life sciences
- End-to-end involvement, from concept development to commercial deployment
- Cross-functional collaboration with engineers, scientists, and industry leaders
- Hands-on access to emerging technologies in automation, robotics, computer vision, and cloud infrastructure
- Direct impact on the future of scientific workflows through cutting-edge lab automation
- Tap into a broad innovation ecosystem and network through our residency at MassRobotics in Boston
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