Lead Autonomy Robotics Engineer

VideoRay; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 151,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a Lead Autonomy Robotics Engineer to advance autonomous execution across a portfolio of unmanned systems. You will architect and implement robust autonomy algorithms, drive hardware-software integration, and lead a team on complex, multi-vehicle missions.

Ideal candidates bring 8–12 years of engineering experience, strong C/C++, Matlab, and Python skills, and a track record of delivering tested research products in dynamic environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering or related field is required or equivalent
• 8-12 years' relevant engineering experience
• Experienced implementing state-of-the-art algorithms on real hardware, SWAP devices is a plus
• Solid software engineering with focus on modularity, portability, and testability

Responsibilities

• Focus on delivering well-architected, functionally complete research products
• Develop autonomous algorithms for planning and control in uncertain environments
• Contribute to core tech: sensor integration, DCLT, and vehicle coordination
• Mentor junior staff and lead project teams as needed
• Design, test, and validate software in hardware environments
• Travel within the Continental U.S. up to 30% when required

Skills

C/C++

Robotics

Autonomy algorithms

Software engineering

System design

GPS-denied systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering or related field

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

Matlab

Python

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Lead Autonomy Robotics Engineer has the opportunity to work with a highly collaborative team of engineers as they add robust autonomous execution to AeroVironment's diverse portfolio of unmanned aerial vehicles. Robust autonomous execution is crucial to AV's continued success in the UAS marketplace. As a Senior Autonomy & Robotics engineer, one builds the algorithms and tools necessary to achieve this.

Position Responsibilities

• Focuses on delivering well architected, functionally complete, and rigorously tested research products.
• Contributes to core technology including:
  • Development of robotic autonomy algorithms capable of making robust decisions for planning and control in uncertain, dynamic environments for single or multi-vehicle operations using state-of-the-art techniques from academia and industry
  • GPS Denied technologies
  • Target detection, classification, localization, and tracking (DCLT)
  • Embedded systems architecture
  • Sensor characterization and integration - EO, Camera, Radar, Acoustic, and/or Lidar
  • UI/UX design for mobile operator platforms
  • Modeling and simulation
  • Software development and testing
• Mentors junior employees, as this provides personal fulfillment and growth for the parties involved, as well as providing cultural benefit for the company as a whole
• Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of variable factors.
• Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel (Team Lead)
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum of 8 - 12 years' relevant engineering experience
• Experienced implementing state-of-the-art (SOTA) algorithms on real hardware. Bonus: implementation on low size, weight, and power (SWAP) devices
• Demonstrated ability to get all the pieces of a complex system functioning together towards a common purpose; e.g. strong system design and test background
• Solid software engineering skills with focus on modularity, portability, and testability
• Experienced with C/C++ required. Modern standards (11, 14, 17+) preferred
• Deep familiarity with one or more of the following technology areas (bonus points for UAS applications):
  • GPS denied systems and requirements
  • Path planning and trajectory generation
  • Multi-vehicle coordination
  • Uncertainty quantification/estimation
  • Computer vision: scene segmentation, feature extraction, template matching, image descriptors, object detection and localization
  • Advanced control methodologies: robust adaptive control, optimal control with dynamic programming, model predictive control (MPC)
  • Experimental design and interpretation of results
  • Some intrastate travel and other travel within the Continental U.S. may be required (up to 30%)

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• MS or PhD in related field is highly preferred
• Experienced with Matlab and/or Python preferred
• Proficiency with office software and computer-based productivity tools
• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and leadership skills
• Is a team player and collaborates effectively
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required. Presently holds or capable of obtaining a U.S. Security Clearance
• Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$151,000 - $230,250

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with