Autonomy Engineer, State Estimation & Control

BRINC; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401K

Maternity and paternity leave

Paid time off

Flexible work environment

Orca pass

Free parking (Seattle office)

Office snacks

Job summary

BRINC in Seattle is seeking an Autonomy Engineer to advance UAV state estimation and control systems. You will design, implement, and optimize real-time algorithms enabling the drone to localize itself and maintain stability while moving through the world.

You will work with sensor fusion (EKFs, factor graphs, VIO) and fast control loops with navigation, embedded software, and hardware teams. You will collaborate to bring next-generation solutions into production UAV platforms, contributing to

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science or related field or MS with 2+ years of industry experience.
• Strong C++ and Python programming for real systems.
• Experience with state estimation and/or control for unmanned systems.
• Solid understanding of EKFs and state feedback control.

Responsibilities

• Research and design algorithms enabling UAV state estimation and control.
• Implement and optimize real-time estimation and control algorithms on embedded processors for efficiency and resiliency.
• Validate estimation and control performance through simulation, log replay, hardware-in-the-loop, and real-world flight tests.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration.

Skills

C++

Python

State estimation

Robotics middleware

Education

PhD in CS or related field

MS with 2+ years industry experience

Tools

ROS2

PX4

MAVSDK

Job description

About BRINC:

At BRINC, we are redefining public safety with an innovative ecosystem of life-saving tools. Our journey started with the development of drones and ruggedized throw phones, designed to access unsafe areas and establish communication to de-escalate situations. Today, we've expanded into creating and deploying 911 response networks, where drones are dispatched to 911 calls to provide real-time visual data, enhancing safety and enabling de-escalation-focused responses. Our cutting-edge solutions are utilized by over 600 public safety agencies across America and the company has raised over $150M from investors, including Index Ventures, Motorola Solutions, Sam Altman, Dylan Field, Mike Volpe, Alexandr Wang and more. At BRINC, we are committed to recruiting the world's best talent to join us in our mission to support first responders in saving lives.

About this Role:

We are seeking an Autonomy Engineer to join our team and advance the reliability and resiliency of our UAV state estimation & control systems. You will design, implement, and optimize real-time algorithms that enable the drone to localize itself and maintain stability while moving through the world. In this role, you will work with sensor fusion algorithms (EKFs, factor graphs, VIO), and fast real-time control loops. You will collaborate closely with navigation, embedded software, and hardware teams to bring next-generation solutions into production UAV platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research and design algorithms enabling UAV state estimation and control.
• Implement and optimize real-time estimation & control algorithms on embedded processors for computational efficiency and system resiliency.
• Validate estimation and control performance through simulation, log replay, hardware-in-the-loop, and real-world flight testing in a variety of conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Contribute to technical strategy, define best practices, and help guide the evolution of the estimation and control stack as systems scale and mature.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Computer Science or a related field, or a Master's degree with a minimum of 2+ years of industry experience.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and Python, with experience developing software for real physical systems.
• Experience developing state estimation and/or control algorithms for physical unmanned systems.
• Solid understanding of estimation and control fundamentals (EKFs, state feedback control).

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with modern sensor fusion approaches such as factor graphs
• Familiarity with robust or adaptive control
• Experience with ROS2, PX4, MAVSDK, and/or similar robotics middleware
• Familiarity with safety-critical or certifiable software practices a plus
• Background in UAV reliability, redundancy, and autonomous flight considerations.
• Experience with ROS, PX4, MAVSDK, and/or similar robotics middleware.

BRINC Culture Values:

• Try the hard stuff
• Be innovative - Invent the future
• Move fast
• Listen to end-users
• Strive for excellence
• Don't build a dystopia
• Be frugal
• Save lives through technology

If you’re interested in this role and in joining BRINC, we hope you’ll apply. We’d love to review your application and get to know more about you!

BRINC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is resolute in cultivating an environment that promotes safety, diversity, inclusion and equity. We’re committed to hiring the best talent - regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances - and empowering every employee so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need, please let our recruiting team know - we strive to provide appropriate accommodation and assistance.

Benefits and perks listed below may vary based on the nature of your employment with BRINC and/or the country within which you work

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for our employees and their families
• 401K plan
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Flexible Time Off (Exempt) / Paid time off (Non-Exempt)
• Flexible work environment
• Orca pass (for those in Puget Sound)
• Free parking (Seattle office)
• Free snacks, drinks and espresso (Seattle office)