Hardware Engineer, Sensor Cleaning

Employer description

Join the team bringing advanced autonomy to the built worldAt Bedrock, we’re moving AI out of the lab and into the real world. Our team includes veterans who helped launch Waymo, scaled Segment to a $3.2B acquisition, and grew Uber Freight to $5B in revenue. Today, we’re deploying autonomous systems on heavy construction equipment across the country, improving safety on job sites and accelerating schedules on critical infrastructure projects.

We’re not here debating the future of AI. We’re deploying it in the real world. In just two years, we’ve raised $350M and achieved the first fully autonomous excavator deployments in construction.

This is where algorithms meet steel-toed boots. You’ll work alongside construction veterans and world-class engineers to solve physical-world problems that simulations can’t touch. If you’re ready to do meaningful work on hard problems, we’d love to have you join us.

We’re a group of veterans from the autonomous vehicle industry who are passionate about bringing the benefits of automation to areas in the construction industry. We’re growing our sizable fleet of retrofitted autonomous construction machines and we’re looking for a talented Hardware Engineer to help design, build, test, manufacture and integrate sensor cleaning systems that keep our lidar, camera, and radar apertures clear in all operating domains (dust, mud, rain/mist/fog, and ice). You will work alongside senior engineers responsible for sensor selection and integration to deliver robust and capable sensor cleaning systems to the field.

Key QualificationsStrong foundational knowledge in mechanical/mechatronic design, testing, and deployment of hardware systems in rugged outdoor environments

Hands-on design, build, and test of fluid systems, including air and liquid pumps, valves, control ECUs, solenoids, nozzles, reservoirs, fittings, and associated plumbing

Thermal design for mechanical assemblies, including heating and de-icing in cold and wet conditions

Understanding of aperture degradation (dust, mud, water, ice, condensation) and how to define and measure what “clean” means for lidar, camera, and radar apertures

Experience leading hardware development programs from ideation through proto, EVT, DVT, and production stages

Packaging and integration strategies for hardware systems in rugged environments, including high shock/vibe, wide temp ranges, IP, and solar loading

Working knowledge of lidar, camera, and radar apertures and how surface contamination affects their performance and downstream consequences for perception

Proficiency in Python or C/C++ to prototype and debug cleaning controls, and to run tests, data collection, analysis, and reporting

Description and ResponsibilitiesOwn the design, test, and integration of sensor cleaning systems (fluid, air, mechanical, and thermal) for autonomous machines

Work with integration team to package cleaning components and systems

Work with perception and safety teams to set cleaning requirements and performance metrics, such as what counts as clean, cleaning frequency, fluid consumption, and cold-weather operation

Build test rigs and run lab and field testing of cleaning performance in real site conditions: dust, mud, rain, and freezing temperatures

Establish and lead relationships and programs (design, manufacturing, reliability testing, QC, field failures) with external vendors for all cleaning components

Write reusable, high-quality test automation and data analysis software (Python and/or C/C++)

Education and ExperienceBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field

Strong fundamentals in mechanical and mechatronic hardweare engineering

6+ years of relevant industry experience preferred

Ways to Stand Out From the FieldDeep experience in any of these areas:

Hardware components for sensor cleaning, including sprayers, air puffers/air knives, wipers, ultrasonics, and other cleaning methods

Heaters and de-icing systems for sensor apertures or windows

Washer, de-icing, or fluid/air-handling systems in automotive, aerospace, or agriculture

Experience with system engineering requirements definition and V&V

Experience with common standards for hardware reliability testing in construction field

ISO 16750, SAE J1455, etc…

Familiarity with large commercial construction equipment electrical and mechanical hardware

Bedrock Robotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

Reasonable Accommodations

We want our hiring process to be accessible to everyone. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please let your recruiter know so we can support you.