(H/F) AI & Control Senior Engineer – Manipulation
Wandercraft · Paris, Île-de-France, France
- On site
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- Paris, Île-de-France, France
Job highlights
- Develop advanced manipulation algorithms for humanoid robots.
- Collaborate on cutting-edge AI and robotics research.
- Work with Python, C++, and machine learning.
- Test and validate robot performance in simulation.
- Join a mission-driven team in Paris or New York.
About the role
About Wandercraft's Expanding Control Team
Our control team is growing to meet new challenges! In 2025, Wandercraft is entering the humanoid robotics space, in close collaboration with the Renault Group. We are leveraging our expertise in bipedal robotics and developing our skills in manipulation and load-bearing within a highly competitive industrial environment.
We are establishing a new manipulation team with a clear mission: to develop the knowledge and codebase necessary to address the numerous client use-cases we receive. These use-cases involve dexterously manipulating a variety of parts.
The Intersection of AI and Robotics
Robotics is undergoing a revolution with the advent of Machine Learning, enabling fluid movements and innovative, natural contact choices, both on the ground and in interaction with objects. Nevertheless, traditional model-based approaches retain advantages in interpretability and iteration speed, and remain widely used in industry and in our robots.
Within this team, we will explore new manipulation technologies such as Machine Learning, Imitation Learning, and hand design iterations with benchmarking. We will also investigate demonstration techniques with a pragmatic approach, focusing on integrability with existing software and hardware. Simpler or complementary traditional methods may be used for initial use-cases. We will also prototype and compare different end-effectors, including grippers, off-the-shelf hands, and internally designed hands.
Key Responsibilities and Missions
- Conduct literature reviews, particularly in manipulation.
- Present the latest innovations from literature or internally developed algorithms to the team.
- Develop manipulation algorithms or train policies.
- Perform tests in real-world robot environments and simulations.
- Enhance simulator realism and compare different simulators.
- Implement automated tests, ensure code quality, and design verification pipelines to prevent regression.
- Prototype end-effectors in collaboration with the Hardware team and prototype demonstration tools.
- Demonstrate tasks for learning trials.
- Undertake site visits to client factories to ensure the proper functioning of use-cases and make necessary corrections.
Preferred Experience and Qualifications
- Education: Engineering degree.
- Experience: 5 years in robotics, ideally with experience in manipulation.
- Academic experience is valued, especially in optimal control, imitation learning, or diffusion models.
- Experience in data management over time (dataset storage, corrections, augmentations, usability, tools, CI) is ideal.
- Creativity and Innovation: Ability to develop new solutions from a limited existing base and create prototypes (personal or professional robotics projects are highly valued).
- Adaptability: Aptitude for experimental work and adapting algorithms to field constraints and commercial product requirements.
- Teamwork: Experience in team-based software development (modularity, test-driven development, continuous integration, etc.).
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in linear algebra (matrix calculations), kinematics, and physical modeling (coordinate transformations, velocity calculations). Experienced in software development (Python/C++).
- Rigor: Ability to self-review and clearly explain calculations or algorithms.
- Curiosity and Analysis: Strong analytical skills, ability to conduct effective technological watch, and learn from scientific literature or conference encounters.
Technical Competencies
- Python: Expert
- C++: Autonomous
- Machine Learning (data analysis, augmentation, labeling, validation): Expert
- Imitation Learning, Diffusion Models: Expert
- Robotics (kinematics, dynamics, real data analysis): Autonomous
- Linear Algebra, Matrix Calculations, Numerical Optimization: Autonomous
- Control Systems (observers, controllers): Autonomous
- Computer Vision (feature detection, mapping, SLAM): Basic knowledge
- Software Development Best Practices, CI, Automated Tests: Autonomous
About Wandercraft
At Wandercraft, we pioneer intelligent robotics to help people do what they can’t do. We apply the most advanced robotics and AI to expand what’s possible for humans in healthcare and now industry.
Founded in 2012, Wandercraft is globally recognized for creating the world’s first self-balancing walking exoskeleton, Atalante X, used in over 100 rehabilitation centers across four continents. Our personal exoskeleton, Eve, is designed to assist wheelchair users in standing and walking in everyday life. We are now expanding our platform to support industrial and assistive tasks with the Calvin family of humanoid robots.
Our growth into home and industrial robotics opens new horizons while reinforcing our ability to scale innovation, improve reliability, and accelerate our impact. From Paris and New York, our team of over 110 engineers, clinicians, researchers, and operators is united by one mission: to design robotics that improve human life, wherever people need them most!
We’re not just hiring people; we’re building a team of pioneers, curious minds, and problem solvers who want to change the world, step by step. Join us to shape the next generation of medical and humanoid robotics powered by AI and purpose.
Key skills/competency
- Robotics
- AI
- Control Systems
- Machine Learning
- Manipulation
- Python
- C++
- Simulation
- Algorithm Development
- Software Engineering
Skills & topics
- Senior AI Engineer
- Control Engineer
- Robotics
- Manipulation
- AI
- Machine Learning
- Python
- C++
- Simulation
- Algorithm Development
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 5+ years of robotics experience, focusing on manipulation, AI, and control systems. Quantify achievements using keywords like Python, C++, Machine Learning, and simulation.
- Showcase innovation: Emphasize personal or professional robotics projects demonstrating creativity, prototyping skills, and adaptability to real-world constraints.
- Demonstrate teamwork: Provide examples of your experience in team-based software development, including modularity, TDD, and CI/CD practices.
- Prepare for technical depth: Be ready to discuss your expertise in linear algebra, kinematics, physical modeling, and specific algorithms in Python and C++.
- Express your passion: Articulate your curiosity for experimental robotics and your drive to contribute to improving human life through advanced technology.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What specific robotics projects should I highlight for the Senior AI & Control Engineer role at Wandercraft?
- For the Senior AI & Control Engineer position at Wandercraft, highlight robotics projects focused on manipulation, AI, and control systems. Emphasize any experience with bipedal robots, load-bearing tasks, or industrial applications. Projects involving Machine Learning, Imitation Learning, optimal control, or diffusion models are particularly relevant. Showcasing your ability to prototype and adapt algorithms to real-world product constraints will also be highly valued.
- How does Wandercraft balance traditional control methods with Machine Learning for manipulation tasks?
- Wandercraft values a pragmatic approach, exploring new technologies like Machine Learning and Imitation Learning while acknowledging the strengths of traditional model-based methods in interpretability and iteration speed. The team will investigate various manipulation techniques, potentially using simpler or complementary traditional approaches for initial use-cases, and integrating new methods with existing software and hardware.
- What is the role of simulation in the Senior AI & Control Engineer position at Wandercraft?
- Simulation plays a crucial role in the Senior AI & Control Engineer role at Wandercraft. You will be involved in testing algorithms and trained policies on real robots and in simulation. Enhancing simulator realism, comparing different simulators, and developing automated tests and verification pipelines to ensure non-regression are key responsibilities.
- What kind of collaboration can I expect as a Senior AI & Control Engineer at Wandercraft?
- As a Senior AI & Control Engineer at Wandercraft, you will work closely with the core control team and collaborate with the Hardware team on end-effector prototyping. You will also potentially engage with the Renault Group given their close collaboration. Expect to present innovations to the team and work within a multidisciplinary environment of engineers, clinicians, researchers, and operators.
- What opportunities for professional development are available at Wandercraft for a Senior AI & Control Engineer?
- Wandercraft fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation. As a Senior AI & Control Engineer, you'll have opportunities to conduct literature reviews, present new findings, explore cutting-edge technologies like ML and Imitation Learning, and potentially attend conferences. The company encourages curiosity and learning from scientific literature, supporting professional growth in advanced robotics.
- Can you elaborate on the 'manipulation and load-bearing' aspect of the Senior AI & Control Engineer role?
- The 'manipulation and load-bearing' aspect refers to developing the robotic capabilities for handling and moving diverse objects with dexterity, especially within an industrial context. This involves creating algorithms for grasping, lifting, and precise placement of items, as well as managing the physical forces involved, particularly for the new generation of humanoid robots.
- What are Wandercraft's future plans regarding humanoid robots and industrial applications?
- Wandercraft is launching into humanoid robots in 2025, with a close collaboration with the Renault Group. The company is expanding its platform to support industrial and assistive tasks with the Calvin family of humanoid robots, designed initially to relieve factory workers from hazardous labor and later to assist individuals with reduced autonomy.