Embedded Systems & Robotics Engineer

MAG Aerospace; Fairfax (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

MAG Aerospace seeks an Embedded Systems & Robotics Engineer to bridge hardware-software boundaries for autonomous tactical systems. Work includes RTOS, sensor fusion, and MBSE in GPS-denied and harsh environments, with hybrid in-office and remote work options.

Candidates should have 5+ years in embedded robotics, strong C/C++, Python, ROS/ROS2, CAD/3D printing, and experience with MOSA/SOSA and safety standards. U.S. citizenship and Secret clearance eligibility are required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years embedded systems and/or robotics development experience.
• Strong proficiency in C and C++ for real-time for resource-constrained systems.
• Expert proficiency in Python for scripting, tooling, and rapid prototyping.
• Experience with ROS/ROS2 for robotics development.
• Hands-on experience with autonomous vehicle platforms.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and 3D printing/fabrication.
• Understanding of control theory and path planning algorithms.
• Experience with hardware communication protocols (CAN, I2C, SPI, UART).
• Familiarity with MOSA/SOSA standards and open architectures.
• Experience with simulation tools (Gazebo, MATLAB/Simulink).

Responsibilities

• Enhance or augment embedded software for autonomous vehicles (UGV, UAV, UUV, USV) to extend baseline capabilities.
• Implement sensor fusion for autonomous navigation (LIDAR, cameras, IMU, sonar).
• Design control systems for robotic platforms and actuators.
• Create hardware abstraction layers following MOSA/SOSA standards.
• Develop digital twin simulations for hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Implement real-time operating systems (RTOS) and safety-critical software.
• Develop and verify safety-critical software in accordance with established standards and best practices.
• Design and fabricate custom hardware solutions using 3D printing and rapid prototyping.
• Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices using SysML/AADL.
• Lead field testing and validation of autonomous systems.
• Support deployment and troubleshooting in operational environments.
• Create hardware test fixtures and validation procedures.
• Document MOSA compliance and interface specifications.
• Train operators on system capabilities and limitations.

Skills

C

C++

Python

ROS/ROS2

RTOS

Embedded Linux (Yocto/Buildroot)

CAD tools

3D printing

Control theory

Path planning

CAN I2C SPI UART

MOSA/SOSA

Gazebo

MATLAB/Simulink

Education

Bachelor's degree in EE, CE, ME, CS or related field

Tools

NVIDIA Jetson platforms

Job description

Position Summary

MAG is staffing for an Embedded Systems & Robotics Engineer who will bridge the critical hardware-software boundary for autonomous tactical systems. You'll modify and enhance systems and solutions that operate independently in GPS-denied environments, from underwater vehicles to aerial swarms, while ensuring reliability in the harshest conditions.

US Citizens Only

Former US Defense Contractor / US Gov / US Military Experience Only

This is a Hybrid Position - Remote mainly - but as well on call to come into a MAG office when requested.

We are seeking candidates who live in proximity to our corporate HQ in Fairfax, VA primarily but will entertain persons living near our satellite offices in:

Aberdeen, MD - Titusville, FL - Newport News, VA - Carthage NC

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

• Enhance or augment embedded software for autonomous vehicles (UGV, UAV, UUV, USV) to extend baseline capabilities
• Implement sensor fusion for autonomous navigation (LIDAR, cameras, IMU, sonar)
• Design control systems for robotic platforms and actuators
• Create hardware abstraction layers following MOSA/SOSA standards
• Develop digital twin simulations for hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Implement real-time operating systems (RTOS) and safety-critical software
• Develop and verify safety-critical software in accordance with established standards and best practices
• Design and fabricate custom hardware solutions using 3D printing and rapid prototyping
• Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices using SysML/AADL

Secondary Responsibilities

• Lead field testing and validation of autonomous systems
• Support deployment and troubleshooting in operational environments
• Create hardware test fixtures and validation procedures
• Document MOSA compliance and interface specifications
• Train operators on system capabilities and limitations

Requirements

Experience:

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years embedded systems and/or robotics development experience
• Strong proficiency in C and C++ for real-time for resource-constrained systems
• Expert proficiency and practical knowledge of Python for scripting, tooling, and rapid prototyping
• Experience with ROS/ROS2 for robotics development
• Hands-on experience with autonomous vehicle platforms
• Proficiency with CAD tools and 3D printing/fabrication
• Understanding of control theory and path planning algorithms
• Experience with hardware communication protocols (CAN, I2C, SPI, UART)
• Familiarity with MOSA/SOSA standards and open architectures
• Experience with simulation tools (Gazebo, MATLAB/Simulink)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NVIDIA Jetson platforms for autonomous systems
• Military/defense robotics experience (ROS-M, JAUS)
• Hands-on experience with RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS, VxWorks) and/or embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot)
• Knowledge of digital twin technologies and real-time simulation
• Familiarity with DO-178C, DO-254, or similar safety standards
• Experience with swarm robotics and distributed control
• Understanding of SLAM and computer vision for navigation
• Experience with environmental testing (MIL-STD-810)
• Pilot's license or experience with FAA Part 107 operations

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in EE, CE, ME, CS or related field

Clearance:

• Must be eligible for Secret security clearance
• US Citizenship required

Special Note

What Makes You Successful Here

• You can go from CAD design to functioning prototype in days
• You understand autonomy from sensors to behavior planning
• You apply systems engineering rigor to rapid prototyping
• You're comfortable with both lab development and field operations
• You see MOSA as an enabler, not a constraint