Autonomy Test Engineer – Marine Robotics

Goken; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Goken is seeking an Engineering/Robotics professional to support autonomy test and development activities in Melbourne, FL. The role focuses on bringing up the onboard software stack, including ROS 2, Docker, and Linux, and executing structured field tests on-water and in simulation.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on ROS 2 experience, strong Python data analysis, and a demonstrated history of self-driven robotics projects. Occasional travel to client/test sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or CS with 1 year internship.
• Hands-on ROS 2 experience and debugging a live stack.
• Strong Linux command-line proficiency and software debugging.
• Docker — build, run, and troubleshoot containers.
• Able to independently bring up, build, deploy, run, and test software on hardware in the field.
• Basic data analysis and visualization (Python).
• Clear technical writing and reporting.
• Comfortable working on the water and dockside; basic fitness for water.
• Demonstrated self-driven robotics projects or open-source contributions.
• Marine familiarity and comfort on small craft.

Responsibilities

• Bring up the autonomy software stack on the vessel: build, deploy, and configure onboard software (Docker).
• Plan and execute structured field tests of autonomy behaviors (navigation, perception, control, sensor integration) across simulation and on-water.
• Operate the system on the water: pre-mission checkouts, launch and recovery, live runs, data-collection campaigns.
• Own data logging, telemetry monitoring, visualization, and replay; ensure data integrity for post-test analysis.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot autonomy, networking, and onboard software issues in real time.
• Perform first-line data reduction and analysis; produce test reports and debriefs.
• Contribute to root-cause analysis after field anomalies and feed findings back to dev team.
• Build tooling, test automation, and data pipelines for faster, repeatable field testing.
• Develop understanding of vehicle hardware and software as an integrated system.
• Coordinate on-water with marine test team and remotely with development team.
• Travel to client/test sites required.

Skills

ROS 2

Linux

Docker

Python

Technical writing

Field deployment

Robotics project

Marine familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

RViz

Job description

Goken is seeking an Engineering/Robotics professional to support autonomy test and development activities in Melbourne, FL. The role focuses on bringing up the onboard software stack, including ROS 2, Docker, and Linux, and executing structured field tests on-water and in simulation.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on ROS 2 experience, strong Python data analysis, and a demonstrated history of self-driven robotics projects. Occasional travel to client/test sites is expected.