Robotics Engineer

About Vale

At Vale, our goal is to make magic and bring the real benefits of matcha to a billion people. We are a group of fun-loving, matcha enthusiasts who believe that a good idea can come from anywhere. Vale is a Seattle startup making magic through cutting-edge technology, automation, and world class hospitality experiences. We are a dynamic and highly cross functional team with a wealth of experience in food service, food automation, software engineering, aerospace, and consumer electronics. We have come together to develop the Matcha experience of the future — whether that’s in a cafe, your neighborhood park, or at home.

About you

You are someone who is enthusiastic about matcha, obsessed with innovation, and loves being a part of a dynamic team.

• Enthusiastic about matcha. The world of matcha is huge, so you should be curious about its benefits, flavor profiles, and methods of preparation.
• Detail Oriented. Take pride in your craft and ensure Vale’s products are consistent, repeatable, and of the highest quality.
• Versatile. Bringing matcha to a billion people is dynamic work! You should be comfortable sharing your expertise in one area, but capable of owning something new in another.
• A bar raiser with proven experience. You don’t just meet the standard — you raise it. You bring deep, hands-on expertise that elevates everyone around you and sets a new benchmark for what great looks like.
• Excited to be a part of a growing team. Vale is a growing company and we want you to grow with us.
• Future oriented. You’re fascinated by the intersection of mechanical intelligence and software. You believe robots should be safe, precise, and a joy to work alongside.

The role

As a Robotics Engineer, you will develop and refine the robotic systems at the heart of Vale’s matcha automation platform, ensuring speed, accuracy, and safety in every interaction.

• Design, develop, and optimize robotic subsystems including manipulators, end effectors, and perception systems
• Develop motion planning and control algorithms for precise robotic manipulation
• Integrate robotic systems with vision, sensing, and machine control software
• Test and validate robotic performance in lab and field settings
• Collaborate with Controls, Mechanical, and Firmware teams on system integration
• Debug complex robotic behaviors and resolve issues systematically
• Document robotic systems design, algorithms, and test results

Qualifications

• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• 4+ years of robotics engineering experience in research or product development
• Proficiency in ROS/ROS2 or equivalent robotic middleware
• Experience with motion planning frameworks such as MoveIt or custom trajectory generation
• Hands-on experience with robotic hardware integration including grippers, cameras, and sensors
• Strong programming skills in C++ and/or Python

Compensation

$122,000 – $162,000 per year

Benefits

• Company funded ORCA card
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Annual bonuses
• Joining a fun startup in Seattle