Software Developer Associate

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.

The School of Engineering

Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines. Our alumni include some of the world's most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world's most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place through the power of engineering principles, techniques and systems.

Founded in 1965, the Stanford Computer Science (CS) Department continues to lead the world in computer science research and education influencing society at levels that remain without parallel among academic institutions. Its spin-offs are among the most successful corporate ventures in the world, and many of the leaders in the academic and corporate research world are graduates of the Stanford CS Department. Computer Science website: https://cs.stanford.edu/

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.

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.

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, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

Pay Range

The expected pay range for this position is $48.20 to $59.16 per hour.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford Is For You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

How To Apply

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application. The cover letter should briefly describe why you believe you are a good fit for this position.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.