Deployment Software Engineer

Luminous Robotics, Inc. is solving one of the defining infrastructure problems of this decade: decarbonization and AI data center growth are forcing the world to scale energy infrastructure faster than at any point in history. Based in Boston, we address this through flexible, physical AI robot fleets that build and operate solar energy infrastructure. In the past 12 months, we've developed three generations of LUMI robots and brought online clean energy for thousands of U.S. homes. We're now scaling into large-scale commercial fleet deployments globally.

THE ROLE

We're looking for a Deployment Software Engineer to join our Software Testing team and spearhead new initiatives at the edge of what our robots can do. This isn't a role where you follow a script; it's one where you act as a test pilot for our most cutting-edge software and hardware, out at solar construction sites across the US and abroad, proving in real conditions what only ran in simulation the day before. You'll install and commission hardware alongside site crews, train the people who'll operate LUMI day-to-day, and pop open a laptop to set parameters and debug live with the engineering team when something needs to be figured out on the fly. And when the opportunity's there, your code could run directly on real hardware. We're not looking for a specific pedigree so much as someone with genuine engineering/CS/robotics fluency, sharp instincts, and the drive to own hard problems where the answer doesn't exist yet.

RESPONSIBILITES

Travel extensively (over 50% of the time) to solar construction sites across the US, with occasional international travel (including Australia), as the primary mode of work

Support on-site installation, commissioning, and construction of solar modules and LUMI hardware alongside site crews

Act as our field test pilot for beta software/firmware releases — verifying release candidates against structured test protocols on deployed units and capturing pass/fail results

Set and adjust robot operating parameters on-site; troubleshoot and debug hardware/software issues in real time, often via live call with the remote SW engineering team

Train site operators, end users, and customer personnel on safe and effective robot operation and basic maintenance

Where opportunities arise, contribute code that runs on real hardware alongside the broader engineering team, including on behaviors, UI/dashboard tooling, navigation, or SLAM

Support high-visibility deployments and live demonstrations for prospective customers

Report anomalies and non-conformances with enough technical detail for engineering to act on

Maintain field kit (laptop, diagnostic tools, spares) and keep it deployment-ready between sites

Communicate robot status, site conditions, and blockers clearly to both the SW team and on-site stakeholders

Follow solar-site and construction safety standards (OSHA, site-specific safety plans) at all times

QUALIFICATIONS

We care less about a specific credential path and more about whether you have the engineering fluency and field resourcefulness to execute. That said, the following will likely be relevant to your day-to-day:

Bachelor's degree (or near-complete) in Computer Science, Robotics, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field — or equivalent hands-on experience

Working proficiency in C++ and/or Python, with enough fluency to contribute production code where opportunities arise

Comfortable reading/editing scripts and config files on-site to set parameters and troubleshoot software, often under live guidance from the remote team

Ability to interpret technical drawings, electrical schematics, and build documentation

Willing and able to travel extensively domestically and internationally (including Australia) and work primarily outdoors on active construction/solar sites

Valid driver's license and passport; comfortable working independently from remote site locations

Comfortable lifting objects per OSHA standards and working in varied outdoor conditions

Clear, proactive communicator, comfortable being the on-the-ground extension of a remote engineering team, and composed under the spotlight of a customer demonstration

Bonus: experience developing any component of a robotics stack (perception, localization, mapping, planning/control, behaviors, or fleet-optimization)

Bonus: exposure to ROS/ROS2 or other robotics middleware, SLAM packages, PV/solar installation experience, low-voltage systems experience, prior field service work

CULTURE & FIT

At Luminous, we value grit, creativity, and humility. The ideal candidate is hands-on, proactive, and excited to contribute in a fast-moving environment. We look for individuals who are eager to learn, unafraid to take ownership, and passionate about helping accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

COMPENSATION & PERKS

Competitive compensation & expected PTO

Mileage/travel reimbursement and per diem for site trips (including international travel when applicable)

Company-issued laptop and field diagnostic kit

Exposure to a high-growth startup environment

Hands-on experience with cutting-edge robotic systems, from the field

Access to team off-sites, workshops, and events

Opportunities for career growth and advancement