Autonomy Engineer, State Estimation & Control

BRINC Drones; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental and blue

401K plan

Maternity and paternity leave

Flexible Time Off / Paid time off

Flexible work environment

Orca pass

Free snacks, drinks and espresso (SEA)

Job summary

BRINC is seeking an Autonomy Engineer to advance UAV state estimation and control for emergency-response drones in Seattle. You will design, implement, and optimize real-time algorithms, collaborating with navigation, embedded software and hardware teams to bring cutting-edge autonomous flight solutions into production platforms.

Ideal candidates have a PhD or Master’s with industry experience, strong C++/Python skills, and a background in state estimation or control for unmanned systems.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s with industry experience required.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and Python for real systems.
• Experience developing state estimation and/or control for unmanned systems.
• Solid understanding of estimation and control fundamentals (EKFs, state feedback).

Responsibilities

• Research and design UAV state estimation and control algorithms.
• Implement real-time estimation and control on embedded processors.
• Validate performance via simulation, replay, hardware-in-the-loop, and flight tests.
• Collaborate with navigation, software and hardware teams.
• Contribute to strategy and best practices for estimation/control stack.

Skills

C++

Python

Real-time systems

State estimation

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Master's degree with 2+ years industry experience

Tools

ROS2

PX4

MAVSDK

Job description

ABOUT BRINC:

At BRINC, we are building the technology that will define the future of emergency response. As a vertically integrated U.S. drone technology company, BRINC designs and manufactures unmanned aircraft systems, autonomous drone stations, command-and-control software, and advanced autonomy for public safety. Today, BRINC deploys Drone as First Responder (DFR) networks that dispatch drones directly to 911 calls, providing real-time aerial intelligence before ground units arrive and helping first responders make faster, safer decisions. BRINC serves more than 1,000 public safety customers across all 50 states, is the sole drone supplier to Motorola Solutions, and has raised more than $280 million from leading strategic and technology investors, including Motorola Solutions, Index Ventures, Sam Altman, Dylan Field, and others. BRINC is recruiting exceptional engineers to build the next generation of autonomous emergency-response technology, including flight-critical firmware and advanced pilot-assistance capabilities.

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

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 snacks, drinks and espresso (Seattle office)