Software Engineer II, Proof of Concept (multiple openings)

Brain Corp is a San Diego, California, USA-based AI company creating transformative core technology for the robotics industry. Our purpose is to create autonomous technology that helps the real world work better. Brain's robotic and AI solutions help retailers ensure that the right product is on the right shelf at the right price, in a clean environment. Through the BrainOS® Robotics Platform, which powers the largest global fleet of the Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in operation in commercial public spaces, Brain Corp delivers insightful and efficient automated solutions in both commercial floor cleaning and inventory management, empowering organizations and their employees to achieve more. Brain Corp currently powers more than 30,000 AMRs, representing the largest fleet of its kind in the world. Brain Corp is funded by the SoftBank Vision Fund, Clearbridge, and Qualcomm Ventures.

Named a top workplace by the San Diego Union Tribune and USA today in 2025, we make life-changing impacts through innovation, helping workers globally unlock thier abilties in orchestration with intelligent machinges.

Position Overview:

The Software Engineer II, Proof of Concept (PoC), will contribute to a top engineering team by rapidly prototyping and demonstrating customer value with innovative solutions built on the BrainOS platform. With a few years of industry software experience, this role requires an individual who can quickly come up to speed on new technologies and problems, focusing on rapid development to showcase specific features and functionality that directly address customer needs and prove out market opportunities, while leveraging multitude of technologies and tools . This role offers the opportunity not only to contribute in cross-functional teams technically, but also to participate in discussions shaping the direction of the products with other internal stakeholders. This role is critical in defining problem scopes, delivering scalable solutions and aligning cross-functional efforts for impactful initiatives.

Essential Job Functions:

• Rapidly prototype and develop innovative software solutions on the BrainOS platform, focusing on demonstrating specific features and functionality that directly address customer needs and validate market opportunities.
• Actively learn and apply new technologies, problem domains, and customer use cases to accelerate proof of concept development and iteration cycles.
• Own the technical execution of proofs of concept, driving best practices for rapid code development, iterative testing, and demonstrative deployments to ensure high-quality, impactful validations.
• Maintain a strong customer-centric approach, actively engaging with stakeholders to understand their challenges and rapidly engineer and validate solutions through iterative prototyping and data-driven insights.
• Foster a culture of agility and rapid experimentation, encouraging technical discussions with a strong bias for action and embracing change and churn inherent in early-stage proof-of-concept development.
• Act as a primary technical demonstrator and liaison, confidently showcasing prototypes and discussing technical solutions with internal and external customers, maintaining composure and clarity under pressure.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (firmware, hardware, QE, product, program management) to define the scope of concepts, ensure technical feasibility, and align efforts for seamless transition of validated ideas.
• Champion client satisfaction by conducting on-site implementations and demonstrations; must be able to travel to various customer locations to fulfil project milestones. 
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

 

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: 

 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Data Science or applicable engineering discipline
• 2-4 years of demonstrated experience in software development for complex function-based software that interacts with sensor inputs, control loops, redundancy, and visualization with a strong emphasis on rapid prototyping and iterative development.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

 

• Demonstrated proficiency with OO C++ and/or Python production level coding, with a proven ability to develop quickly for proof of concept needs and troubleshoot issues.
• ​​Experience with agents, GPT and LLM applications, i.e. developing and improving customer focused solutions leveraging these applications
• Curiosity to rapidly gain subject matter expertise in specific functional areas while keeping aware of the larger landscape of customer use case and value, especially for rapid validation.
• Excellent technical and analytical skills
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a proactive and results-oriented approach focused on quickly demonstrating customer value, leveraging a wide range of tools and technologies.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and align cross-functional efforts for impactful initiatives.
• Proven ability to embrace change and adapt quickly to evolving requirements and priorities.
• Experience with ML, hardware integration, motion control, cloud platforms, web technologies, and data analysis.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in fast-paced, high-pressure situations, especially when interacting with customers or demonstrating early-stage concepts.

Things that make a difference:

 

• Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Data Science or applicable engineering discipline 
• Experience in autonomous vehicles, robotics, or related industry
• Experience with database management, ML tools and CV applications
• Involved in hands-on programs such as FIRST or robotics competitions
• Experience in applying generative AI towards ideation and iteration of engineering solutions

 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential functions may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for sitting, walking or standing for periods of time; operating a computer and keyboard; use of hands to finger and grasp; talk and hear at normal room levels; visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures; push or pull up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Employees are exposed to the typical office environment with computers, printers and telephones.

Salary Range:

The anticipated salary for candidates who will work in San Diego, California is $130,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Brain Corp is a multi-state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

 

In addition to base pay, our competitive total rewards package consists of:

• A discretionary annual target bonus
• Stock options
• 401(k) plan with match (no waiting period and immediate vesting)
• Comprehensive suite of insurance benefits for employees (and their families) to include a variety of medical plan options (including an HSA with employer contribution), dental, vision, life and disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Legal/Identity support plans, pet insurance.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Generous paid time off including flexible vacation, Paid Sick Leave, time off for volunteering in the community, 10 paid company holidays, and a winter company shutdown

Additional Perks include:

• Daily on-site lunch available in the San Diego office
• On-campus gym including pool and tennis courts in the San Diego office
• Opportunities to connect with colleagues including monthly game nights, hikes, wellness challenges, and community events 
• Internal continuous learning events 
• Opportunities to share your own interests and hobbies with the Company