Autonomy Intern

AeroVect; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVect is seeking Autonomy Engineering interns to develop autonomous vehicle technology in a fast-paced startup. You will work on real projects, contributing to the design and deployment of cutting-edge autonomous systems. Ideal candidates possess strong CS fundamentals and software engineering experience, with a background in vehicle autonomy strongly preferred.

The role involves hands-on development and collaboration with engineering teams to integrate innovative solutions for major airports. Join us in redefining cargo logistics!

Qualifications

• Strong CS fundamentals via academic or industry experience.
• Background in developing autonomy functions of a deployed, autonomous vehicle.
• 2+ years experience in software engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Define, lead, and create your ADS subsystem module.
• Design, implement, test, and support ADS functionality.
• Collaborate with hardware engineering to create an integrated system.

Skills

CS fundamentals

Background in developing autonomy functions

Software engineering experience

Shipping safety-critical software

Experience with ROS

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field

Tools

ROS

Carla

Gazebo

Job description

At AeroVect, we automate baggage and cargo logistics at some of the busiest passenger airports and air freight hubs in the world. Backed by top-tier investors, AeroVect is shaping the future of airport automation, beginning with self-driving tow tractors.

If you have a passion for applying autonomous driving technologies to impact the flow of goods for millions of people, we want to talk to you!

Job Description

We’re looking for Autonomy Engineering interns who are eager to bring autonomous driving systems to life from the ground up. Minimum internship duration is 4 months, with direct conversion to full-time available.

In this role, you will help grow our ADS software stack in a fast‑paced, early‑stage startup environment. There’s no busy work here — you will directly own the design, simulation, and deployment to production of a specific autonomy submodule as part of creating a category‑defining ground vehicle system that automates cargo movement at major airports across the globe.

Specifically, we are looking for individuals who have deep functional expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Perception and Sensor Fusion
• Localization and Mapping
• Vehicle Control, Planning, and Decision Making

Your job scope will involve selecting and working with both cutting‑edge techniques as well as proven, off‑the‑shelf technologies to support your specific ADS module, working with other members of the engineering team to integrate into the overall system architecture, all while creating unprecedented value and functionality for the modern supply chain.

The opportunity offers a technical, hands‑on engineer the chance to help develop a market‑defining enterprise product that combines autonomous vehicle technology with a software‑as‑a‑service (SaaS) business model.

This role will work closely with our co‑founders and the Autonomy Lead.

What You’ll Do

Define, lead, and own the hands‑on creation of your ADS subsystem module, targeting milestones and working with internal/external partners — expect to spend ~75% of your time performing hands‑on development, with the remaining 25% integrating with the overall software stack, working with a team of world‑class engineers to target aggressive milestones.

Design, implement, test, and support ADS module functionality through simulations and real‑world test runs in the context of the airside airport environment, including vehicle corridors and airport apron.

Work with the engineering team at large to support all aspects of ground vehicle autonomy, including planning, perception, navigation, and infrastructure subsystems.

Collaborate with hardware engineering to create an integrated system, including calibration and integration.

Understand and keep up‑to‑date with state of the art.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong CS fundamentals (via academic or industry experience)
• Background in developing the autonomy (sensing, decision‑making, or control) functions of a deployed, autonomous vehicle
• 2+ years experience working on software engineering teams
• Comfort with shipping safety‑critical software
• Experience shipping a working robotics or vehicle autonomy subsystem
• Candidates with unconventional experiences especially encouraged
• Willingness to get hands‑on and have lots of fun
• Experience with ROS

Ideal Qualifications

• Advanced research experience in vehicle autonomy or machine learning
• Background in safety‑critical software/system development (preferably a ground robotics functional safety standard such as ISO 26262 or IEC 61508)
• Prior experience developing and supporting all aspects of autonomy for a production ground‑vehicle subsystem, or research prototype (end‑to‑end, full lifecycle development preferred)
• Startup experience
• Experience with Carla, Gazebo or comparable technologies where relevant to the area of specialization

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We’re committed to growing and empowering a more inclusive community within our company, industry, and cities. That’s why we hire and cultivate diverse teams of the best and brightest from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that true innovation happens when everyone has room at the table and the tools, resources, and opportunity to excel.