We are seeking an experienced Lead Robotics Engineer to join a growing robotics startup focused on solving complex autonomy challenges in small aerial robotics. In this role, you will be responsible for designing and testing algorithms for navigation, tracking, and stabilization. Your expertise will contribute directly to the development of autonomous systems, ensuring their reliability in GPS-denied environments and other challenging operational conditions.  As an early hire, you will have a significant impact on both the software and hardware development, working on simulation, optimization, and algorithm design. If you are passionate about developing next-generation autonomy systems for unmanned aerial platforms (sUAS) and want to make a significant contribution to an innovative company, this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test navigation algorithms for small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), particularly in GPS-denied environments.
• Develop and validate models in simulation environments to optimize navigation performance.
• Collaborate with software and hardware teams to create robust autonomous systems.
• Contribute to the development of a core autonomy software stack to enhance user interaction with robotic platforms.
• Work on embedded and mobile platform development, ensuring that algorithms are optimized for edge environments.
• Help integrate software and hardware to create accessible and reliable robotic solutions.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in robotics, autonomy, or related fields, with a focus on navigation and planning.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Robotics, Software Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++, with experience in navigation and planning algorithms.
• Proven experience developing navigation algorithms for small platforms in GPS-denied environments.
• Experience with embedded/mobile platforms such as NVIDIA XavierNX, Qualcomm Snapdragon, or Intel Neural Compute Stick.
• U.S. Citizenship (required for defense-related projects).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ROS/2, PX4, or similar robotics frameworks.
• Familiarity with GTSAM or factor graphs.
• Experience with simulation platforms such as Gazebo, AIRism, or ISAAC.
• Knowledge of real-time, critical software development with an emphasis on low-latency systems.
• Python programming experience.
• Active security clearance (not required but a plus).