Robotics Engineer - Learning for Manipulation

About the role

Bota Systems builds force/torque sensors and tools that let robots learn from touch, and is developing a platform for training robot AI that combines vision and force sensing. It is looking for a Robotics Engineer in Zurich to help robots learn contact-rich manipulation from real-world data. Start date: as soon as possible.

Key responsibilities

• Train, fine-tune and deploy learning-based manipulation policies (imitation learning, diffusion policies, VLAs) using vision and force/torque inputs
• Build and run data-collection pipelines on real hardware, including kinesthetic teaching, teleoperation, synchronized multi-modal recording and dataset curation
• Integrate force-aware, physics-consistent simulation for training and evaluation
• Design the software architecture connecting sensors, robots and the learning stack, with a focus on reliability and scalability
• Work with hardware and embedded engineers to bring models from experiment to a working robot

Required profile

• Degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a related field
• Ideally 1-3 years of relevant experience (industry, research or a substantial thesis)
• Clear communication and enjoyment of working across disciplines

Required skills

• Hands-on experience training and fine-tuning ML models, ideally for robotics
• Strong Python and working knowledge of C++
• ROS 2 and real robot hardware
• Nice to have: robot learning frameworks (e.g. LeRobot), ACT, diffusion or VLA policies, MuJoCo or Isaac Sim, force/impedance control

What we offer

• Ownership of a core part of the product with direct impact on what ships
• Daily access to state-of-the-art sensors, robots and teleoperation setups
• A small, highly technical team in Zurich
• Mentorship from experienced professionals and hands-on experience with robotic systems

To apply, send your CV and a short note about a manipulation or robotics project you are proud of.