Hybrid Senior Autonomy Engineer - UGV Robotics & Leadership

Applied Research Associates, Inc.; Warrendale (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Neya Systems / ARA is seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer to lead autonomy design, development, and integration across UGV platforms. The role emphasizes hands‑on robotics work across perception, planning, controls, and embedded software in a hybrid(three days onsite in Warrendale, PA) setting.

The ideal candidate will mentor engineers, drive system performance improvements, and liaise with customers and program managers. Strong C++/Python skills and ROS2 are highly valued.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience developing autonomy or robotics systems (UGVs preferred).
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python for real-time or robotics applications.
• Strong understanding of autonomy subsystems: planning, controls, navigation, or sensor fusion.
• Hands-on experience with sensors (LIDAR, cameras, GPS/INS, radar) and hardware integration.
• Experience with software design, debugging, and performance analysis across complex systems.
• Ability to work independently to solve complex technical problems.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of autonomy algorithms, behaviors, and system components.
• Integrate autonomy software with robotic platforms and real‑world sensor suites.
• Drive technical investigations, root‑cause analyses, and performance optimizations.
• Lead field tests, evaluate autonomy behavior, analyze data, and guide improvements.
• Collaborate with perception, planning, controls, and systems engineering teams to ensure cohesive system behavior.
• Serve as a key technical point of contact for customers, program managers, and internal stakeholders.
• Conduct design reviews, code reviews, and contribute to best practices and technical standards.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level engineers in autonomy development and robotics integration.
• Support customer demos, experiments, and technical events.
• Travel 10–25% depending on testing and project needs.

Skills

C++/Python programming

Autonomy knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

ROS2

Job description

Neya Systems / ARA is seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer to lead autonomy design, development, and integration across UGV platforms. The role emphasizes hands‑on robotics work across perception, planning, controls, and embedded software in a hybrid(three days onsite in Warrendale, PA) setting.

The ideal candidate will mentor engineers, drive system performance improvements, and liaise with customers and program managers. Strong C++/Python skills and ROS2 are highly valued.