Graduate Co-op Robotics Software Engineer

Company: Stokes Robotics

Position Type: Graduate Co-op / Internship

Department: Robotics Engineering / Software Development

Location: Carl Junction, MO

Duration: January - May 2027

Stokes Robotics is focused on developing innovative robotic systems that combine software, automation, and intelligent control to solve real-world engineering challenges. Our team brings together software and robotics expertise to build reliable, capable, and efficient robotic solutions.

We are looking for a motivated Graduate Co-op Robotics Software Engineer to join our engineering team and contribute to the design, development, testing, and deployment of robotics solutions. This position offers graduate students the opportunity to apply advanced technical knowledge to practical robotics challenges while working alongside experienced engineers.

At Stokes Robotics, you will help develop software that enables robotic systems to perceive their environment, make decisions, and execute tasks reliably. You will work across software development, robot integration, simulation, and hardware testing, contributing to projects from early prototyping through system validation.

The ideal candidate is curious, analytical, and eager to solve challenging problems at the intersection of software engineering, robotics, and autonomous systems.

• Design, implement, and maintain robotics software using C++ and/or Python.
• Develop and test software for robotic control, motion planning, perception, navigation, and system integration.
• Work with robotics frameworks and tools such as ROS 2, simulation environments, and hardware interfaces.
• Integrate software components with robotic hardware, sensors, actuators, and communication systems.
• Develop simulation-based tests and perform experiments on physical robotic platforms.
• Debug software and hardware integration issues using systematic testing and root-cause analysis.
• Improve software reliability, performance, modularity, and maintainability.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineers to deliver integrated robotic solutions.
• Document software architecture, test procedures, experimental results, and development progress.
• Research emerging robotics technologies and evaluate approaches that could improve system capabilities.

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and/or Python.
• Solid understanding of software engineering fundamentals, including object-oriented programming, debugging, testing, and version control.
• Foundational knowledge of robotics, control systems, algorithms, or autonomous systems.
• Experience using Git or a comparable version control system.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to work hands-on with robotic systems and learn new tools and technologies.
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and access to a vehicle

• Experience with ROS or ROS 2.
• Familiarity with robot kinematics, dynamics, motion planning, or feedback control.
• Experience with perception, computer vision, sensor fusion, or localization.
• Knowledge of simulation tools such as Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with Linux-based development environments.
• Experience with real-time systems, embedded software, networking, or hardware communication protocols.
• Exposure to machine learning, reinforcement learning, or AI applications in robotics.
• Experience with automated testing, continuous integration, and software deployment workflows.
• Previous robotics research, personal projects, laboratory experience, or industry experience.

• Hands-on experience developing software for real-world robotic systems.
• Opportunities to work across the robotics software stack, from low-level integration to higher-level autonomy.
• Mentorship and technical collaboration with experienced engineering professionals.
• Exposure to the complete robotics development lifecycle, including prototyping, integration, testing, and validation.
• The opportunity to contribute meaningful engineering work to active robotics projects.
• A collaborative environment that encourages technical curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning.

You enjoy turning complex technical problems into practical software solutions. You are comfortable learning unfamiliar systems, investigating unexpected behavior, and iterating toward reliable results. You take ownership of your work, value clear documentation, and enjoy collaborating across engineering disciplines.

We welcome candidates who demonstrate strong technical fundamentals and a passion for robotics, even if they have not yet worked with every technology listed above.

Please submit the following materials:

• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• Brief cover letter describing your interest in robotics software engineering.
• Summary of relevant projects, research, or previous engineering experience.
• Links to a GitHub profile, portfolio, publications, or technical projects, if available.