Autonomy Engineer - State Estimation

Tycho.AI; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Meaningful equity

Generous benefits package

Job summary

A leading technology company in Massachusetts seeks an Autonomy Engineer - State Estimation to design and validate state estimation systems for autonomous vehicles. The role involves collaborating with experts across disciplines, focusing on hardware/software co-development. Ideal candidates will have a Master’s or PhD in a related field, proficiency in C/C++, and a strong foundation in state estimation algorithms. A competitive salary and benefits are offered while working in a pioneering environment focused on innovation and growth.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to drive a concept through the prototype phase.
• Solid background in optimization and navigation techniques.
• Experience implementing estimation software on robotics vehicles.
• Experience with GPS-denied and visual navigation (VIO).
• Knowledge of linear algebra, probability, and optimization.
• Understanding of rotorcraft and fixed-wing flight dynamics.
• Hands-on state estimation on real robotics platforms.
• Experience with multi-threaded real-time systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain software for motion planning.
• Integrate systems into platforms, bridging research and production.
• Stay updated on research and apply state-of-the-art techniques.

Skills

Proficiency in C/C++

State estimation algorithms

Linear algebra

Probability theory

Multi-threaded real-time systems

Flight dynamics

Linear algebra / probability

Education

Master’s or PhD degree in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

NVIDIA Jetson

ArduPilot/PX4

Job description

About Tycho.AI

Tycho.AI is redefining the future of autonomous intelligence. Spun out of MIT and backed by DoD contracts, we are building breakthrough AI and autonomy solutions for unmanned systems operating in GPS-denied and contested environments. We are a fast-growing, dual-use technology company at the forefront of national security and commercial innovation, with a mission to push the boundaries of what autonomous systems can achieve.

Joining Tycho.AI means being part of a team shaping the next decade of autonomy from defense applications to commercial opportunities in areas like logistics, disaster response, and beyond. If you want to work at the cutting edge of AI/ML and robotics with a company that’s poised for major impact and growth, we want to hear from you.

About the Role

As an Autonomy Engineer - State Estimation at Tycho.AI, you will design, build, and validate state estimation systems for intelligent autonomous vehicles. You will collaborate with a cross-functional team of electrical, mechanical, and software experts to explore new concepts through rapid, iterative prototyping. We are seeking adaptable engineers who collaborate effectively across disciplines, brainstorm innovative ideas, and navigate through emerging embedded technologies. Most importantly, you should have a proven ability to drive a concept through the prototype phase and excel in hardware/software co-development.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain autonomy software for motion planning, trajectory optimization, and flight control.

• Integrate systems into real-world platforms, bridging research and production.

• Stay current on research and apply state-of-the‑art techniques.

Requirements

• Master’s or PhD degree in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field; or equivalent working experience.

• Proficiency in C/C++ with experience shipping production‑grade software.

• Strong foundation in state estimation algorithms, including Kalman filters, complementary filters, and optimization‑based smoothing (e.g., using factor graphs).

• Experience with GPS‑denied and visual navigation techniques, such as visual‑inertial odometry (VIO).

• Solid background in linear algebra, probability theory, and optimization.

• Working understanding of rotorcraft and fixed‑wing aircraft flight dynamics.

• Hands‑on experience implementing state estimation software on real robotics vehicles.

• Comfortable developing and reasoning about multi‑threaded real‑time systems.

Nice to Have

• Experience writing microcontroller code and working with embedded robotics platforms, such as NVIDIA Jetson.

• Experience building vehicle dynamics simulations based on flight test data.

• Experience with multi‑modal sensor fusion and calibration.

• Experience with target detection and tracking, preferably using multi‑modal sensor data.

• Familiarity with open‑source flight control systems, such as Ardupilot and PX4.

Why Tycho.AI

• Be part of a rapidly scaling startup defining the future of autonomous intelligence.

• Collaborative, high‑trust culture that values innovation, execution, and continuous learning.

• Competitive salary, meaningful equity, and generous benefits package.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:

Tycho.AI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran status.

E-Verify and Right to Work

Tycho.AI participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization in the United States. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and may be subject to a government security clearance process.