Software Engineering Manager, Human-Robot Interaction

Pickle Robot

Pickle Robot

Software Engineering, Other Engineering

Charlestown, Boston, MA, USA

Posted on May 23, 2026

Pickle Robot is seeking a passionate and experienced Software Engineering Manager, Human-Robot Interaction, to lead the team building the operator-facing software that puts our robots to work on the loading dock. This leader will own the applications, integrations, and data infrastructure that enable people to operate, monitor, and work alongside Pickle’s robots in production environments.

The ideal candidate has managed software engineers at a robotics company and knows what it takes to ship reliable, production-grade software in a fast-moving hardware environment. This is a great fit for a hands-on, in-the-trenches manager who wants meaningful ownership, close technical partnership with the team, and the opportunity to help shape how high-performing robotics software gets built and shipped.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead, mentor, and grow a team of software engineers building the operator-facing applications and integration layer between Pickle's frontend and autonomy platform.

  • Drive the technical vision and execution for Pickle’s human-robot interface software, ensuring a robust, reliable end-user experience and tight integration across the full software stack.

  • Foster a culture of engineering excellence through code reviews, architecture discussions, iterative development, and a high bar for quality.

  • Collaborate closely with Pickle's other engineering managers to ensure seamless end-to-end system behavior.

  • Partner with Product and Program Management to scope features, track progress, and adapt to evolving priorities.

  • Identify gaps in the team, whether structural or skill-based, and work with People Operations to hire, upskill, or supplement as needed.

  • Represent the HRI function in cross-team initiatives and contribute to broader engineering strategy.

Skills & Experience:

  • 2+ years of software engineering management experience at a deep tech, robotics, or hardware-focused company.
  • Demonstrated experience managing SWEs through complex technical and integration challenges, not just feature delivery.
  • Working knowledge of ROS or a similar robotics middleware framework, specifically how commands flow from an operator-facing application to an autonomous system.
  • A strong communicator and mentor who gives clear feedback, develops engineers at all levels, and builds team confidence without lowering standards.
  • Experience driving outcomes with both speed and excellence in highly ambiguous, fast-moving business environments.
  • Willing and able to work from our Charlestown, MA office at least three times per week.
Pay at Pickle
At Pickle Robot Company, we believe transparency builds trust. The salary range listed here is provided in accordance with Massachusetts law and reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role. We often consider candidates at different levels of seniority, and final compensation will reflect the level at which a candidate is hired, along with factors like experience and location.
About Pickle Robot
Want to get in on the ground floor of a fast-growing, VC-backed robotics company? Join Pickle Robot! We build systems that companies and their teams love.
Pickle robots unload trucks. Every day, millions of trucks and containers are loaded and unloaded, often requiring manual labor—tough, dirty, dangerous, and hard to staff. Pickle automates this process using AI, machine learning, and robotics to deliver reliable products. Our Unload Systems work with teams on loading docks to make the job safer, faster, and more efficient.
Pickle provides best-in-class benefits including health, dental, & vision insurance; unlimited vacation, along with all federal and state holidays; 401K contributions of 5% your salary, travel supplies, and other items to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive.

145000 - 185000 USD a year

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