Autonomy Software Engineer - Underwater Robotics

albacore; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Albacore is seeking engineers to develop software for autonomous underwater vehicles, focusing on perception, planning, and control. You will interface with hardware and embedded compute platforms, collaborating with mechanical/electrical teams to field-test and validate performance.

The role requires hands-on experience with ROS, C/C++, Python, and low-level systems programming, plus strong debugging skills and U.S. security clearance eligibility.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related technical field.
• 1-7 years of experience developing software for robotics, embedded systems, or autonomous platforms.
• Proficiency with Linux and the Linux command line.
• Experience developing software with ROS (Robot Operating System).
• Hands-on experience building perception, planning, or control systems for autonomous robots.
• Experience writing systems software in low-level languages such as C, C++, Rust, Zig, or similar.
• Proficiency with Python and C++.
• Experience integrating software with sensors, hardware interfaces, and embedded compute systems.
• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills across software and hardware interfaces.
• U.S. work authorization and ability to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop software systems that enable autonomous operation, perception, planning, and control for underwater vehicles.
• Design and implement systems software that interfaces directly with vehicle hardware, sensors, and embedded compute platforms.
• Work closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to integrate software with real robotic systems and validate performance through lab testing and field deployments.
• Develop software infrastructure for autonomy, communications, and system monitoring using modern systems programming languages.
• Participate in system bring-up, debugging, and iterative testing on physical hardware platforms.
• Contribute to the architecture, reliability, and performance of the vehicle software stack.

Skills

Linux command line

ROS

Python

C/C++

Debugging

Education

B.S./M.S. in CS/CE/Robotics

Tools

C

Rust

Zig

Job description

Albacore is seeking engineers to develop software for autonomous underwater vehicles, focusing on perception, planning, and control. You will interface with hardware and embedded compute platforms, collaborating with mechanical/electrical teams to field-test and validate performance.

The role requires hands-on experience with ROS, C/C++, Python, and low-level systems programming, plus strong debugging skills and U.S. security clearance eligibility.