# Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy
**Company:** [Ditto](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/ditto)
**Location:** Remote
**Salary:** $223K-$259K
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** Ros2, Dds, Mavlink, Px4, Ardupilot, C++, Rust, Python, Gazebo, Opencv
**Posted:** 2026-04-17
> Integrates Ditto's sync platform with robotic systems (ground, aerial, maritime) using ROS2, DDS, and MAVLink. Solves real-time issues on-site, feeds insights to product team. Requires 5+ years robotics experience, Secret clearance, and hands-on platform integration.
## Job Description
## 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.
**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/senior-software-engineer-autonomy-at-ditto-c235d875-dc94-48d5-a1c9-c02fc650828a
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/senior-software-engineer-autonomy-at-ditto-c235d875-dc94-48d5-a1c9-c02fc650828a