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XTEND is seeking a highly autonomous AI & Robotics Research & Exploration Specialist to drive AI-driven product exploration and rapid prototyping. This role focuses on conceptualizing and building functional MVPs that push the boundaries of XTEND's XOS robotics ecosystem, aligned with the company's Autonomy Roadmap.
You will be a prolific builder and tinkerer with deep expertise in software, AI, and computer vision, capable of translating novel concepts into structured, demonstrable prototypes. This is an individual contributor role requiring exceptional technical depth and the ability to move fast in an exploratory environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and develop functional, proof-of-concept prototypes integrating AI (foundational models, VLAs, LLMs, ML), computer vision, 3D algorithms, and robotics systems
- Architect all prototype software with a focus on structural clarity, clean logic, and comprehensive documentation to ensure seamless handoff to the Production Engineering team for scaling
- Leverage both traditional engineering methodologies and modern AI-assisted coding tools to accelerate development cycles and system design
- Rapidly iterate on concepts, moving from exploration to working prototypes
Requirements:
- Deep, demonstrable knowledge of computer vision, 3D algorithms, and overall robotics architecture
- Strong portfolio of functional projects with tangible proof of ability to build complex systems from scratch (active GitHub repositories, indie projects, hackathon builds, or functional prototypes required)
- Exceptional software engineering skills with the ability to build robust system architectures, prioritizing software logic over hardware assembly
- Highly open-minded, multi-versed, and capable of pivoting quickly across different technical domains as exploration priorities shift
- Experience with AI/ML frameworks, robotics platforms, and modern development tools
