Job Description

We are an innovative, Vancouver-based startup at the forefront of robotics, AI, and machine vision technologies. Backed by VC funding and recognized as a 2024 BCTIA Growth Award winner, we are on a mission to redefine the future of AI-driven robotic vision systems. Apera AI helps manufacturers make their factories more flexible and productive. Robots enhanced with Apera's software have 4D Vision - the ability to see and handle objects with human-like capability. Challenging applications such as bin picking, sorting, packaging, and assembly are now open to fast, precise, and reliable automation. Apera is led by an experienced team from high-growth companies focused on robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.

Job description

We are looking for a talented Robotic Solutions Engineer with outstanding problem-solving skills to join our Solution Engineering team.

Role Overview

As a Robotic Solutions Engineer, you will be a critical technical contributor at the intersection of robotics, automation, and computer vision. As part of the Application Engineering team, you will become an expert on Apera's proprietary vision software-- Vue and Forge --and use your knowledge of robotics to solve our hardest real-world problems. This includes delivering proof of concept demos, supporting customer onboarding, and coding customizations that push the limits of what Apera can do. You will collaborate cross-functionally with developers, roboticists, technical artists, and field engineers while owning the execution of key projects from ideation to delivery. Your success will directly drive customer satisfaction, product innovation, and Apera's position as a pioneer in robotic vision.

Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

Purpose:

At Apera, we're redefining the limits of robotic perception. As a Robotic Solutions Engineer, you'll help customers do things that previously weren't possible, giving every automation cell a pair of eyes.

Growth:

This role offers diverse technical exposure and career development opportunities across robotics, AI integration, vision systems, and customer implementation. You will lead high-impact projects with visible results, while gaining mentorship from experts in multiple technical disciplines.

Motivators:

You will thrive here if you're energized by complex problem-solving, hands-on experimentation, and working in an environment where no two days are the same. If you want your work to deliver tangible results for customers and coworkers

as well as

shape future product development, this is your role.

Major Objectives

Lead Deployment of Robotic Vision Solutions for Customer Projects

Within the first 6 months, lead the design, development, and deployment of robotic automation solutions for 5 customer-facing projects (demos, onboarding, and/or custom solutions). Apply Apera's Vue and Forge software alongside automation cell design and programming to address technical objectives. Ensure deployment is completed on time, meets success criteria, and is fully tested.

Investigate and Resolve High-Impact Customer Issues with Vision System Integration

Within the first 90 days, troubleshoot and resolve at least 30 complex field issues involving robotic vision calibration, pick failure, or communication breakdowns. Use diagnostic tools and simulations to identify root causes. Document findings and propose product or training updates to reduce recurrence. Achieve time to resolution targets and deliver post-implementation performance improvements.

Coordinate Cross-Functional Teams to Launch 2+ Technical Automation Initiatives

By month 6, co-lead one project requiring collaboration across application engineering, software development, and sales. Set project timelines, define success metrics, and facilitate milestone tracking. Ensure each project achieves scope, quality, and user adoption targets. By month 9, lead one project.

Critical Subtasks

Collaborate with Sales and Product Teams to Translate Customer Needs into Actionable Solutions

Within the first 3 months, participate in at least 2 Product Council sessions. Translate real-world challenges into solution design briefs or feature feedback to inform product development. Document decisions and follow up with design mock-ups or workflow diagrams.

Manage Unplanned Technical Crises with Customers or Internal Systems

Within the first 3 months, respond to at least one significant unplanned crisis, such as a regression in production, failing object detection, or other critical vision software bug. Within one business day, assemble the cross-functional team, isolate the problem, and deliver a patch or workaround. Document learnings and propose system-level changes to eliminate the possibility of recurrence.

Propose and Execute a Long-Term Improvement Project Based on Field Learnings

By the end of year one, identify a recurring field implementation issue or opportunity (e.g., failure rate, calibration error, customer onboarding bottleneck). Design and lead a project to improve system robustness or usability. Success is measured by a reduction in support tickets, a reduction in deployment time, or an increase in system uptime.

Culture

Apera operates in a fast-paced, engineering-driven environment where adaptability and cross-functional teamwork are essential. The role requires frequent context-switching and comfort with ambiguity, as priorities evolve with each customer engagement. Robotic Solutions Engineers are expected to demonstrate a high degree of ownership while also collaborating across teams and time zones. The Application Engineering team values curiosity, follow-through, and a willingness to experiment-- sometimes in the lab, other times onsite with clients. Success comes through engaging with Apera's culture of continuous innovation and shared accountability. Due to cross-functional solution requirements, this is an on-site role.

About you

You are motivated, talented, hardworking, and have an entrepreneurial spirit. You enjoy making a large impact at your company. You enjoy solving challenging problems rooted in real-world physics using science, imagination, creativity, and persistence.

Desired qualifications

2+ years of experience in system integration, automation design, or software development (or equivalent academic experience) Bachelor's or master's degree (or equivalent experience) in mechanical, mechatronics, or systems engineering Exceptional problem-solving skills Good programming skills Bonus: Knowledge of vision systems and vision-guided robotics Working knowledge of robot programming Experience with robot scripting languages Experience with robot simulation software

What we offer

Competitive compensation (the salary range for this position is $65,000 to $77,500) A career track with many growth opportunities at a fast-growing company Generous employee stock option plan * A creative work environment alongside an ambitious and talented team