Senior Software Engineer, Full Stack

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 RoleAs 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 ExperienceOwn the development and maintenance of the HMI dashboard, ensuring an intuitive and responsive user experienceDesign and implement modern TypeScript frontend solutions using React, Next.js, and ViteImplement 3D rendering features in the UI using Three.js or Three Fiber for enhanced visualizationCreate user-facing interfaces optimized for autonomy and robotics operationsDevelop internal tools and dashboards using Retool for monitoring and administrationBackend & API DevelopmentDesign and implement robust backend solutions that integrate with autonomy runtime systemsBuild performant REST APIs using Node/Express, Python FastAPI, or similar frameworksExpand REST API capabilities for non-autonomy actions and system controlIntegrate real-time pub/sub communication with the autonomy runtime via WebSocketsMaintain secure and efficient data pipelines between on-device and cloud servicesDatabase & System IntegrationWork 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 operatorsInterface with ROS or similar autonomy runtime systemsOptimize system performance and reliability, addressing latency, scalability, and fault toleranceCloud Infrastructure & DeploymentImprove the performance and reliability of cloud services supporting the Chef systemWork on provisioning robots for seamless deployment across customer environmentsEnable remote software updates to enhance performance and reliabilityDevelop systems for real-time remote robot control and monitoringRequired Qualifications - Technical ExpertiseBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience5+ years of professional experience in full stack development rolesStrong 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 frameworksUnderstanding of cloud infrastructure and deployment practicesExperience with real-time communication systems and WebSocket implementationDomain KnowledgeUnderstanding of system performance optimization including latency, scalability, and fault toleranceExperience with secure data pipeline design and implementationKnowledge of modern development practices and CI/CD workflowsFamiliarity with cloud-based application architecturePersonal AttributesStrong problem-solving skills with a systematic approach to complex technical challengesExcellence in technical communication and cross-functional collaborationProactive mindset in identifying opportunities for system improvementsComfort working in a fast-paced startup environment with startup-oriented hoursCommitment to working onsite five days a week to contribute to positive in-office culturePassion for robotics and automation technologyDesired QualificationsExperience building user-facing interfaces for autonomy, robotics, industrial automation, or edge/IoT devicesExperience interfacing with ROS (Robot Operating System) or similar autonomy runtime systemsExperience with Python web servers (FastAPI, Flask, Django, Tornado)Experience rendering 3D scenes in React using Three.js or Three FiberBackground in food production, manufacturing, or industrial automationKnowledge of containerization and orchestration technologiesFamiliarity with monitoring and observability tools for distributed systemsKey Projects You'll Work OnEnhancing the HMI dashboard for improved usability and responsivenessIntegrating real-time pub/sub communication with the autonomy runtime via WebSocketsExpanding REST API capabilities for non-autonomy actionsImproving the performance and reliability of cloud services supporting the Chef systemImplementing 3D rendering features in the UI using Three.js or Three FiberDeveloping systems for remote robot provisioning and software updatesWe 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.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.