Whelix Robotics Software Engineering Intern (Summer 2027) Boston, MA · Intern Company website

Apply for Robotics Software Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

Whelix builds intelligent robots that automate wet lab work, starting with cell culture, for biotech and pharmaceutical research. By integrating AI agents with proprietary engineered robotics, our systems eliminate repetitive, error-prone workflows, freeing scientists to focus on discovery while increasing experimental throughput, reproducibility, and scientific impact. Based in Boston, Whelix is deploying systems into pharmaceutical, biotech and academic labs today and actively scaling up production to serve more customers.

Role Overview

As a Robotics Software Engineering Intern, you will help design, build and test the software that runs our robots, including motion control, motion planning, computer vision and system integration. You will help turn lab workflows into reliable, automated robot behavior that works with standard lab tools. This is a hands-on, on-site role in Boston, reporting to the CTO.

What You Will Work On

• Build and test robot behaviors that handle standard lab tools and consumables reliably
• Develop motion planning and control for precise moves in tight, constrained workspaces
• Apply computer vision so the robot can find, verify and interact with lab consumables and equipment
• Implement and debug features in C++, Python and ROS 2, in simulation and on real hardware
• Integrate and test software with our mechanical and electrical engineers, and support deployment in the lab
• Document your work, run root-cause analyses and keep our Git repositories clean

Qualifications

• Pursuing a BS, MS or PhD in CS, ME, EE, Aerospace, Robotics or a related field
• Proficiency in Python and modern C++, with familiarity with ROS/ROS 2
• Experience with a robotics simulator (e.g., PyBullet, MuJoCo, Gazebo)
• Comfortable on Linux, with Git and Docker
• Hands-on experience with real robots (arms, gantries, actuators)
• Adaptable, hands-on and excited by a fast-paced startup
• Able to work on-site in Boston, MA

Nice-to-Haves

• Computer vision or AI-based robotic control
• Industrial communication protocols (e.g., EtherCAT, CAN)
• Exposure to biotech, lab automation or wet-lab environments
• Prior internship, co-op or research lab experience

Compensation & Schedule

• Pay: $3,500 to $4,500 per month
• Full-time and on-site in Boston, MA
• Monday, June 7 through Friday, August 27, 2027

Perks & Growth Opportunities

• Ownership of real robot features, from simulation to deployment in the lab
• A front-row seat to building a startup, with exposure to product, strategy, fundraising and operations
• Work at the intersection of AI, robotics and life sciences
• Close collaboration with engineers, scientists and industry partners
• Access to Boston's robotics and deep-tech community through MassRobotics and The Engine
• Strong performers may be considered for full-time roles after graduation