Autonomous Navigation & Robotics Software Engineer

Criterion Tech; Lucknow; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Criterion Tech seeks an Autonomous Navigation & Robotics Software Engineer to develop the software and sensing stack for mobile autonomous platforms, from sensor integration to navigation logic. This role targets moving a real robot through real spaces, not just simulations.

The candidate will implement ROS/ROS2 software, calibrate sensors (LIDAR, ultrasonic, IMU, encoders), and apply SLAM and path planning. Python tooling and embedded C/C++ experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electronics, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• 2+ years hands-on experience with mobile/autonomous robotic systems or substantial academic projects.
• Working experience with ROS or ROS2 (nodes, topics, launch files).
• Sensor integration experience: LIDAR, ultrasonic, IMU, wheel encoders.
• Understanding of basic SLAM and path-planning concepts.
• Strong Python programming skills for robotics tooling and control logic.
• Experience with embedded C/C++ on microcontrollers (STM32, ESP32, etc.).
• Basic MCAD ability for chassis/enclosure layout (SolidWorks, Fusion 360).
• Comfort with real hardware wiring and debugging with multimeter/serial terminal.
• Strong documentation habits and ability to read vendor datasheets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain ROS/ROS2-based software for autonomous mobile robots.
• Integrate and calibrate sensors including LIDAR, ultrasonic, IMU, and wheel encoders.
• Implement obstacle-avoidance and line-following control logic.
• Apply basic SLAM and path-planning techniques for autonomous movement.
• Write Python-based tooling for simulation, data logging, and robot control nodes.
• Work with embedded microcontrollers for low-level motor and sensor interfacing.
• Design basic chassis/enclosure layouts in CAD for sensor, battery, and wheel placement.
• Test and validate robot behavior in real-world environments, not just simulation.
• Debug real-time performance issues across sensing, control, and navigation layers.
• Maintain clear documentation of software architecture, configurations, and test results.

Skills

Python programming

ROS/ROS2

Sensor integration

C/C++ (embedded)

SLAM & path planning

Documentation

Git

Hardware interfacing

CAD basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Robotics, CS, Electronics or Mechatronics

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Git

Gazebo/Webots

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for an Autonomous Navigation & Robotics Software Engineer to develop the software and sensing stack for mobile autonomous platforms. This role covers everything from low-level sensor integration to navigation logic, and is ideal for someone who wants to see their code move a real robot through a real space, not just a simulator.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain ROS/ROS2-based software for autonomous mobile robots
• Integrate and calibrate sensors including LIDAR, ultrasonic, IMU, and wheel encoders
• Implement obstacle-avoidance and line-following control logic
• Apply basic SLAM and path-planning techniques to enable autonomous movement
• Write Python-based tooling for simulation, data logging, and robot control nodes
• Work with embedded microcontrollers for low-level motor and sensor interfacing
• Design basic chassis/enclosure layouts in CAD for sensor, battery, and wheel placement
• Test and validate robot behavior in real-world environments, not just simulation
• Debug real-time performance issues across sensing, control, and navigation layers
• Maintain clear documentation of software architecture, configurations, and test results

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electronics, Mechatronics, or a closely related field

Preferred candidate profile

• 2+ years of hands‑on experience with mobile/autonomous robotic systems (substantial academic project work will be considered)
• Working experience with ROS or ROS2 (nodes, topics, launch files)
• Practical sensor integration experience: LIDAR, ultrasonic, IMU, wheel encoders
• Understanding of basic SLAM and path‑planning concepts
• Strong Python programming skills for robotics tooling and control logic
• Working knowledge of embedded C/C++ on microcontrollers (STM32, ESP32, or similar)
• Experience implementing line‑following or obstacle‑avoidance algorithms
• Basic MCAD ability for chassis/enclosure layout (any of SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar)
• Comfortable working with real hardware wiring, debugging with a multimeter or serial terminal, not only code
• Strong documentation habits and comfort working from vendor datasheets/manuals independently
• Experience with version control (Git) is a plus

Good to Have

• Experience with simulation tools such as Gazebo or Webots
• Exposure to safety-rated E‑stops or interlocks on mobile robots
• Prior experience in a regulated or safety‑critical engineering environment

What We're Looking For

Someone who has actually built and driven a real robot — not only run one in simulation — and who enjoys debugging the messy gap between clean navigation theory and real‑world sensor noise.