Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy

Key Responsibilities

• Integrate with Robotic Platforms: Lead the on-site software integration of our platform with unmanned ground, aerial, and maritime systems, building reliable data bridges between our synchronization layer and robotic autonomy stacks.
• Develop on ROS2 and DDS Middleware: Architect, build, and troubleshoot software nodes within ROS2 frameworks, leveraging DDS (Data Distribution Service) for real-time, publish-subscribe communication between robotic subsystems and our core platform.
• Implement MAVLink Integrations: Build and optimize MAVLink-based communication pipelines for telemetry, command, and control of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), ensuring reliable data exchange between our platform and autopilot firmware.
• Solve Problems in Real-Time: Act as the first line of technical defense, rapidly diagnosing and resolving software, sensor, and communication issues on robotic platforms as they arise during field testing and live operations.
• Bridge the Gap: Translate the unique realities of robotic systems integration—sensor noise, real-time constraints, autonomy edge cases—into actionable technical requirements for the core product development team.

What You'll Need

• Clearance Requirement: Must hold an active Secret clearance (U.S. Citizenship strictly required).
• 5+ years of experience in robotics software engineering, autonomous systems development, or related fields, including hands-on experience developing, integrating, and testing software on physical robotic platforms (ground, aerial, or maritime).
• 2+ years of technical experience working with ROS2 (Robot Operating System 2), including node development, lifecycle management, launch files, and real-time communication via DDS middleware.
• Prior experience with MAVLink protocol for UAS telemetry and command/control, including integration with autopilot systems (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot) and ground control stations.
• Familiarity with motion planning concepts and algorithms, including path planning, trajectory optimization, and obstacle avoidance in real-world operational environments.
• A highly adaptable, problem-solving mindset, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, move fast, and balance immediate operational fixes with long-term technical fidelity.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Nice to Haves

• Experience with sensor fusion and perception pipelines, including integration of LiDAR, IMU, GPS, and camera data for localization and mapping (SLAM).
• Familiarity with simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, AirSim, CARLA) for testing robotic software prior to field deployment.
• Prior experience with CRDTs (Conflict-free Replicated Data Types) or local-first software architectures to manage complex data synchronization without a central server.
• A background in systems programming (e.g., C++, Rust, or Python) with experience writing performant, real-time code for resource-constrained embedded platforms.
• Direct experience with DoD or defense-related robotic programs, including an understanding of safety, certification, and operational constraints for unmanned systems.
• Experience with edge computing and containerized deployments on robotic platforms, including lightweight orchestration (K3s, Docker) on ARM-based or embedded hardware.
• Familiarity with computer vision frameworks (e.g., OpenCV, TensorRT) and deploying inference models on edge devices for real-time perception tasks.