# Senior Autonomy Engineer

**Company:** [NODA AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/noda-ai)
**Location:** Austin, TX
**Role:** Embedded Engineering
**Experience:** 6+ years
**Skills:** C++, Python, ros2, motion planning, navigation, control systems, state estimation, sensor fusion, behavior trees, task allocation, gazebo, isaac sim, airsim, mavlink, Reinforcement Learning
**Posted:** 2026-07-20

> Senior Autonomy Engineer designing and implementing the autonomy stack for adaptive multi-vehicle orchestration of UAVs, USVs, and UUVs. Requires 6+ years in robotics/autonomy, strong ROS2/C++/Python skills, and experience in planning, navigation, and simulation for defense applications.

## Job Description

## Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement autonomy modules including path planning, task allocation, behavior trees, and reactive execution models.
- Develop and maintain the autonomy framework that integrates with orchestration (AI-driven mission planning) and world modeling.
- Ensure AI-generated plans are executable, explainable, and safe across multi-domain robotic platforms.
- Implement and validate navigation, control, and autonomy behaviors for UAVs, USVs, and UUVs using ROS2 and simulation environments.
- Profile and optimize autonomy performance for edge compute hardware (Jetson, Raspberry Pi-class devices).
- Conduct simulation-in-loop and hardware-in-loop testing to validate autonomy behaviors before live field deployment.
- Contribute to safety, reliability, and compliance practices for autonomy in defense-relevant missions.
- Collaborate across AI, networking, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless orchestration of multi-vehicle operations.

## Required Qualifications
- 6+ years experience developing autonomy or robotics systems.
- Proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time autonomy development.
- Strong hands-on experience with ROS2 and robotics middleware.
- Background in motion planning, navigation, and control systems.
- Experience with state estimation, sensor fusion, and autonomy validation.
- Familiarity with behavior trees, task allocation, or symbolic planners.
- Knowledge of simulation environments (Gazebo, Isaac Sim, AirSim, or equivalent).
- U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain a clearance.

## Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with multi-agent coordination and swarm robotics.
- Exposure to autonomous vehicle domains (UAVs, UUVs, USVs).
- Familiarity with MAVLink, JAUS, or STANAG 4586 protocols.
- Background in AI planning, reinforcement learning, or constraint solvers.
- Experience optimizing autonomy for embedded/real-time performance.
- Prior exposure to defense or aerospace autonomy systems.
- Contributions to open-source robotics or autonomy projects.

## Skills & Attributes
- Systems thinker: able to connect autonomy layers with AI reasoning and orchestration.
- Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in both simulation and field environments.
- Cross-disciplinary collaborator, comfortable working with AI, networking, and data engineering teams.
- Thrives in ambiguous, mission-driven problem spaces.
- Detail-oriented and safety-focused, with commitment to reliable autonomy in critical missions.

## What We Offer
- Hybrid work environment
- Competitive pay
- Flexible time off
- Generous PTO policy
- Federal holidays
- Generous health, dental, and vision benefits
- Free OneMedical membership
- 401(k)

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