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Autonomy Software Engineer – Path Planning

150k – 200kSunnyvale, CAOnsite3+ YOE
Summary

Develop and integrate core path planning algorithms for autonomous aerial systems (UAVs, fighter aircraft) supporting military missions. Requires 3-5 years experience with sampling/grid-based planning methods, C++ or Python, and outer-loop control systems.

About the role

Responsibilities

  • Write software that operates real autonomous aircraft systems including fighter aircraft, maritime surface vessels, group 1-5 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as simulated models to accomplish tactical military missions
  • Build, leverage, and improve aerial autonomy software architectures that are ultimately tested and deployed on real systems to accomplish military missions
  • Collaborate with DoD warfighter domain experts and 3rd party UAS vehicle vendors to develop and integrate aerial autonomy software onto OEM hardware

Requirements

  • 3-5 years of professional experience in autonomous vehicle motion planning, robotics, or a related field
  • Experience in 3D+ path planning using sampling based methods such as RRT* or similar
  • Experience in 2/2.5D grid based planning methods such as A* or similar
  • Experience developing autonomy algorithms in either C++ or Python
  • Experience developing or implementing outer-loop control systems
  • Strong functional, procedural, data-oriented, and object-oriented programming experience
  • Experience using git, Visual Studio Code, GitLab
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Must hold or be eligible for a U.S. Secret security clearance
  • Willing to travel as projects require (~20% average travel)

Nice to Have

  • Experience with UAS GNC/navigation systems such as PX4 and Ardupilot
  • Ability to use data visualization and debugging tools to support autonomy control development
  • Experience developing in Docker and containerized development environments, using Linux-based operating systems (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu), source control systems, and artifact registries
Skills
C++PythonRRT*A*Path PlanningMotion PlanningGitGitLabVisual Studio CodeDocker
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