Autonomous Robotics Engineer – Field Prototyping

Samson Rose; Hawaii; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Samson Rose in Hawaii is seeking a Robotics Engineer to help develop autonomous deployment systems for advanced hardware platforms. The role spans robotics, mechanical systems, embedded software, electrical integration, sensing, and controls.

It focuses on prototype work on a compact hardware platform with real-world testing. The position is ideal for an early-career engineer with standout robotics experience, hands-on hardware development, and a willingness to work onsite in Hawaii for 6–12

Qualifications

• New graduate to a few years of professional engineering experience, with a degree in engineering or equivalent hands-on technical experience.
• Exceptional hands-on robotics experience, ideally demonstrated through a standout contribution to a RoboSub team or comparable competition such as MATE ROV, RoboBoat, or other RoboNation events.
• Demonstrated experience designing, building, assembling, and debugging physical robotic hardware that has been tested and operated in water.
• Broad technical understanding across mechanical engineering, electrical systems, embedded software, and controls, with deeper expertise in at least one area.
• Ability to rapidly prototype hardware, integrate existing components, troubleshoot problems, and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Experience taking ownership of technical projects and driving them from initial concept through physical implementation and testing.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work through unexpected hardware failures in fast-paced development environments.
• Comfortable working hands-on in a machine shop, laboratory, and outdoor testing environments, including boat-based operations and water testing.
• Willingness to initially work onsite in Hawaii for approximately 6–12 months, potentially longer, before transitioning to a long-term location in California or Washington.
• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop autonomous deployment capabilities that allow hardware systems to reach designated locations with minimal human intervention.
• Design and prototype mechanical systems for controlled movement, stabilization, and positioning.
• Develop guidance and control capabilities using onboard sensing and closed-loop control.
• Design and integrate autonomous mechanisms that allow hardware to secure itself at its intended destination.
• Support the development of mechanical and electrical systems capable of operating reliably under extreme environmental conditions.
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, and embedded software components while working within strict size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints.
• Build, assemble, and debug prototypes using existing components, custom hardware, and rapid fabrication techniques.
• Conduct iterative testing in controlled environments followed by real-world field trials.
• Troubleshoot hardware and system-level failures, analyze test results, and implement design improvements through rapid development cycles.
• Participate directly in field testing and hands-on deployment and recovery operations.

Skills

Hands-on robotics

Prototyping

System integration

Field testing

Troubleshooting

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

ROS

Python

C/C++

CAD

Job description

Samson Rose in Hawaii is seeking a Robotics Engineer to help develop autonomous deployment systems for advanced hardware platforms. The role spans robotics, mechanical systems, embedded software, electrical integration, sensing, and controls.

It focuses on prototype work on a compact hardware platform with real-world testing. The position is ideal for an early-career engineer with standout robotics experience, hands-on hardware development, and a willingness to work onsite in Hawaii for 6–12