Autonomy Software Engineer (C++)

Pittsburgh Robotics Network; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) plan

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Job summary

Pittsburgh Robotics Network is seeking an Autonomy Software Engineer to enhance software for autonomous helicopters. Candidates should have strong C++ skills and a Bachelor's degree in Robotics or a related field. This role involves multifaceted tasks to develop and maintain autonomous behaviors in aircraft.

Ideal candidates will excel in a rapid development environment and enjoy working with cutting-edge technology. Benefits include stock options and comprehensive health plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field is required.
• Strong C++ skills and familiarity with ROS2 are essential.
• Experience with software engineering practices is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain autonomy software for helicopters.
• Improve and build autonomous behaviors in aircraft.
• Handle both utility and core software modules.

Skills

C++ design and programming

Robotics concepts

Motion planning

Behavior arbitration

Perception

Python or similar

ROS2

Linux environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science or equivalent

Master’s or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science or equivalent

Job description

Near Earth Autonomy is creating a future where autonomous flight is commonplace and safe. Our technology enables aircraft ranging in scale from sub‑meter to full scale to autonomously inspect, map, survey, and transport. We are serious about system design, development, real‑world testing, and delivering useful systems to customers.

Responsibilities and Duties

The Autonomy Software Engineer will implement and maintain autonomy software and algorithms for autonomous, full‑scale helicopters. This role will focus on building, maintaining, and improving the autonomous behaviors for aircraft. Based on experience, engineers will be given ownership to both utility and core software modules within the autonomy architecture.

We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated independent thinkers, passionate about state‑of‑the‑art technology; also self‑starting, empathetic team players, and strong communicators. The ideal candidate for this position can multitask effectively, is comfortable working on a quick development tempo, and most importantly enjoys bringing new autonomy technology to life.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or equivalent
• Exposure to a variety of robotics concepts including control, motion planning, behavior arbitration, and perception
• Strong C++ design and programming skills
• Experience with Python or similar programming languages
• Experience with ROS2
• Expertise with software engineering practices and software development life cycle
• Familiarity with development in a Linux environment
• Willingness to travel and spend time in the field

Preferred Additional Skills

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, or equivalent
• Industry experience in robotics or autonomous flight domains
• Experience designing modular, testable, and extensible C++ APIs
• Experience with integration and field testing of robotic systems

Due to the nature of Near Earth’s funding, this position requires US citizenship or Permanent Resident status. Due to work related to federal contracts, this position is subject to successful completion of a background check.

Benefits

• Stock options
• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Life insurance; long‑term and short‑term disability benefits