Robotics Product Researcher

Summary:  Mujin is the future of industrial robotic systems in production and distribution environments. Our technology gives robots perception and awareness, enabling them to take on more advanced tasks. We aim to revolutionize the use of robotics within industry to free human resources from labor-intensive tasks to focus on more intellectual challenges. We are seeking a Robotics Product Researcher to investigate emerging robotics technologies, evaluate product capabilities, and translate research findings into actionable insights that inform product strategy and development. This role combines robotics technology research, product analysis, experimental validation, and cross-functional collaboration. The researcher will assess customer needs, industry trends, competitive solutions, and technical opportunities to identify ways to improve Mujin’s robotic automation products. Success requires a strong analytical mindset, an understanding of robotics and industrial automation, and the ability to communicate complex technical findings clearly to product, engineering, and business stakeholders. Position Description: - Research emerging robotics technologies, industrial automation solutions, and advancements in robot perception, motion planning, manipulation, and autonomous operation. - Evaluate industry trends, competitive products, market developments, and customer needs to identify opportunities for product innovation and differentiation. - Analyze customer workflows, operational challenges, and automation requirements to identify unmet needs and potential product enhancements. - Design and conduct technical evaluations, proof-of-concept studies, experiments, and product feasibility assessments. - Collect, analyze, and interpret research data, performance metrics, test results, and customer feedback to support evidence-based product decisions. - Translate research findings into clear product requirements, feature proposals, use cases, technical recommendations, and development priorities. - Collaborate with product management, robotics engineering, software development, systems integration, and field engineering teams to evaluate opportunities and validate proposed solutions. - Establish repeatable research and evaluation methodologies, maintain traceable findings, and contribute to continuous product improvement. Position Requirements: - Bachelor’s degree or higher in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related technical field. - Demonstrated research experience, academic project experience, or technical expertise in robotics, autonomous systems, industrial automation, robot perception, motion planning, manipulation, or related technologies. - Proven ability to develop research methodologies, design and conduct experiments, evaluate technical approaches, and analyze quantitative results. - Demonstrated ability to identify, evaluate, and synthesize technical literature, scientific publications, patents, and emerging technologies to identify research opportunities and potential areas for product innovation. - Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research findings into actionable technical recommendations. - Ability to independently manage research activities, prioritize competing objectives, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams. - Ability to evaluate the practical application of emerging technologies and research advancements to real-world industrial robotics challenges and commercial product development. Desired: - Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program or formally admitted as a Ph.D. candidate in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence or a related field. - Research experience in robot learning, computer vision, perception, motion planning, trajectory optimization, manipulation, reinforcement learning, or autonomous decision-making. - Publications, conference presentations, research projects, or a thesis demonstrating relevant robotics or AI expertise. - Experience using robotics frameworks such as ROS/ROS 2 and simulation environments or tools for robotic experimentation and validation. - Experience collaborating with industry partners, participating in applied research projects, or working with engineering teams to validate research outcomes. Physical Demands/ Work Environment:   - Travel Requirement: 20% travel - Ability to work in office, warehouse, manufacturing, and customer-site environments while following applicable safety practices. - Ability to stand, walk, and move through industrial work areas when observing robotic systems, conducting experiments, and evaluating product performance. - Ability to support technical evaluations, demonstrations, and research activities that may require extended or non-standard hours. Great Company! Great Benefits! When working with Mujin, enjoy: - 100% Company paid Medical, Dental, Vision option plus the opportunity to buy-up some benefits beginning the 1st of the month after hire! - 100% Company Paid Life Insurance & Voluntary Benefits - 100% Company Paid Long and Short Term Disability - 15 Paid Time Off (PTO) days beginning your 1st year! - 11 Paid Holidays , including (2) Floating Holidays! - 401(k) Plan! - Parental Leave Benefits! - Health Savings Account (HSA) option with HDHP! - Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for Medical and Dependent Care! - Referral Bonuses! - Company Stock Options in many roles!   This Position Description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all supplemental duties, responsibilities, or non-essential requirements. Attention Applicants:  If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know.  Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply.  Please contact our Recruiting Team at [email protected] for assistance with an accommodation.  These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. This contact should not be used to inquire as to the status of an application.