"Software Developer Associate"

Position Overview

The IRIS lab is looking for a full-time Software Developer Associate passionate about contributing to exciting research projects related to robotics. This position will work on software development for robotics research projects in the IRIS lab, including projects aiming to improve upon both state-of-the-art models and algorithms for robotic learning. These projects may span topics such as incorporating memory, learning reward functions, autonomous self-improvement, scalable imitation learning, among other topics. This position will execute programming tasks, maintain existing programs, and troubleshoot and analyze such programs under the supervision of Professor Chelsea Finn, and working closely with Stanford PhD students.

Background: Within the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab (SAIL), the Stanford IRIS (Intelligence through Robotic Interaction at Scale) focuses on the capability of robots and other agents to develop broadly intelligent behavior through learning and interaction. The group works on robotics and machine learning, and it is affiliated with SAIL, the ML Group, the Stanford Robotics Center, and CRFM. Computer Science website.

In this role, you will:

• Assist with design and development of applications that may involve sophisticated data manipulation.
• Assist with maintaining and updating existing programs.
• Troubleshoot and solve basic technical problems.
• Contribute to documenting changes in software for end users.
• Suggest improvements and/or changes to help increase efficiency.

Education & Experience (Required):

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (Required):

• Familiarity with latest software and design standards.
• Ability to solve logical problems for technical applications.
• Knowledge of and ability to select, adapt, and effectively use programming methods.
• Ability to recognize and recommend needed changes in user and/or operations procedures.
• Basic knowledge of software engineering principles.
• Strong knowledge of at least one programming language.

Education & Experience (Desired):

• Experience with software design and development, particularly in Python
• Familiarity with the fundamentals of robotics and machine learning.
• Experience with active practice of Git-based version control workflows.
• Experience with machine learning algorithms and tools (e.g. PyTorch, Tensorflow).

Physical Requirements:

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently sit, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
• Occasionally stand/walk, writing by hand.
• Rarely use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

Work Standards:

• May work extended hours, evening, and weekends.
• Travel on campus to schools/units.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide.

Note: This is a fixed term position ending 10/1/26. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S. This position has been deemed critical by the School of Engineering Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze. Requisition #107821. Post Date: Dec 01, 2025.