Lead Robotics Engineer – Own the Autonomy Stack for Next-Gen Tactical Robotics!
Austin, TX | Onsite
Opportunity Summary
A pre-seed, well-funded startup is building autonomous ground robotic systems designed to counter emerging drone and aerial threats for national security applications. With an active prototype already in place, a brand-new lab, and regular field testing, the team is moving quickly from concept to operational capability. As the Lead Robotics Engineer, you will partner directly with the CTO to own development of the full autonomy stack. This role spans firmware, perception, control systems, and sensor integration, giving you broad technical ownership and the opportunity to see your work tested in real-world conditions. You’ll help shape the system architecture, define product direction, and play a pivotal role in turning advanced robotics into deployed counter-UAS capabilities.
About Us
We are a fast-moving robotics startup focused on counter-drone (C-UAS) solutions for defense and national security. Our leadership team brings deep expertise in robotics, autonomy, and defense technology, with proven track records of delivering innovative systems in high-stakes environments. Backed by strong financial support, we operate with urgency, leveraging an active prototype, new lab facilities, and frequent field campaigns to iterate rapidly and validate performance.
Job Duties
- Design and bring up robotic systems from the ground up, including embedded integration, driver development, and sensor selection.
- Write and optimize firmware in C++ or Rust for real-time operating systems managing motion, communications, and sensors.
- Develop and tune control algorithms such as PID or model-predictive controllers for electromechanical actuation.
- Calibrate and integrate IMUs, cameras, and encoders to support visual-inertial state estimation.
- Apply sensor fusion techniques (e.g., EKF, UKF) for robust real-time tracking and stabilization.
- Build Python-based tools for logging, visualization, calibration, and automation.
- Lead rapid test cycles in lab and field environments to validate control and perception systems.
- Debug issues across embedded software, hardware, and mechanical subsystems.
- Architect scalable and reliable frameworks for real-time robotics platforms.
- Collaborate with teammates across computer vision, autonomy, AI/ML, and hardware engineering.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience developing robotic platforms, embedded systems, or real-time control software.
- Proficiency in C++ (modern standards) and Python.
- Strong foundation in PID control, sensor feedback systems, and electromechanical actuation.
- Experience with embedded development on RTOS platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson or equivalent).
- Hands-on experience with sensor calibration, data fusion, and system-level debugging.
- Familiarity with communication protocols such as CAN bus, UART, and other real-time interfaces.
- Skilled at low-level debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or similar tools.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot and innovate in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments.
Preferred Experience
- Rust for embedded platforms.
- Experience with ROS2, DDS, or other real-time middleware.
- Exposure to adaptive or model-predictive control techniques.
- Familiarity with GPU programming (CUDA) or parallel compute frameworks.
- PCB design knowledge or experience working within EMI/EMC constraints.
- Understanding of distributed systems, networking, or DevOps workflows (Docker, CI/CD).
- Knowledge of machine learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) or advanced scientific computing.
Why Join Us
- Play a founding-team role with significant ownership and visibility.
- Work side-by-side with the CTO to shape core architecture and direction.
- Full-stack robotics ownership across firmware, control, perception, and tools.
- Mission-driven focus on solving urgent defense challenges in counter-UAS systems.
- Active prototypes, frequent field testing, and a brand-new robotics lab.
- Hardware-first culture with rapid iteration and real-world validation.
- Competitive salary plus early equity.
- Relocation support available.
Compensation Details
$150,000 - $210,000
