Lead Autonomy & Robotics Software Engineer

Marcurius; Clearwater (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Marcurius is seeking a Lead Autonomy & Robotics Software Engineer to design, integrate, and deploy autonomous vehicle software. You will collaborate with the Chief Engineer and integration teams to define architecture, integrate sensors, and deliver production-ready autonomy capabilities.

This role requires deploying autonomous platforms into operational environments and transitioning from simulation to fielded systems, with hands-on software and hardware work in a fast-paced environment in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience developing robotics, autonomy, or autonomous vehicle software.
• Demonstrated experience deploying autonomous systems on operational hardware.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python.
• Deep experience with ROS 2 and modern robotics software architectures.
• Experience with sensor fusion, localization, and navigation systems.
• Experience with embedded and real-time systems.
• Experience developing software verification, validation, and automated testing pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and technical direction of the autonomy software stack.
• Design and implement robotics software using ROS 2 and related frameworks.
• Lead integration of sensors, radar, cameras, IMUs, GPS, communications, and mission systems.
• Develop and maintain autonomy capabilities including navigation, localization, perception, and mission execution.
• Architect multi-sensor fusion solutions for operation in degraded and contested environments.
• Design systems that continue operating safely when sensors or communications are impaired.
• Develop operator interfaces and mission management software.
• Support embedded and real-time software deployment on vehicle hardware.
• Establish testing, validation, simulation, and CI/CD processes for robotics software.
• Participate in field testing and troubleshooting of deployed systems.
• Mentor software engineers and contribute to technical standards and engineering best practices.

Skills

C++

Python

ROS 2

Nav2

SLAM Toolbox

Sensor fusion

Embedded & real-time

Software verification & testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Robotics/Software Engineering/Electrical Engineering

Tools

ROS 2

Nav2

SLAM Toolbox

CMake

Git

Job description

Marcurius Multi-Mission Solutions is a fast-growing defense technology company headquartered in the Tampa Bay area, Florida. Founded by U.S. and U.K. veterans, Marcurius brings decades of frontline experience across Special Operations and Intelligence missions, with deep expertise in asymmetric warfare and the real-world employment of unmanned systems.

Marcurius is building a new kind of unmanned systems company- multi-domain, multi-platform, and mission-driven. We integrate battle-proven platforms, resilient command-and-control architectures, and operator-led doctrine to deliver capabilities that work in contested environments. Our initial focus is the rapid fielding of advanced Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) for modern maritime operations.

About Marcurius Multi-Mission Solutions

Marcurius Multi-Mission Solutions is a fast-growing defense technology company headquartered in the Tampa Bay area, Florida. Founded by U.S. and U.K. veterans, Marcurius brings decades of frontline experience across Special Operations and Intelligence missions, with deep expertise in asymmetric warfare and the real-world employment of unmanned systems.

Marcurius is building a new kind of unmanned systems company- multi-domain, multi-platform, and mission-driven. We integrate battle-proven platforms, resilient command-and-control architectures, and operator-led doctrine to deliver capabilities that work in contested environments. Our initial focus is the rapid fielding of advanced Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) for modern maritime operations.

Role Overview

As Lead Autonomy & Robotics Software Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, integration, and deployment of the software systems that enable autonomous vehicle operation.

You will work closely with the Chief Engineer, hardware and vehicle integration teams, and future software engineers to define software architecture, integrate sensors, develop autonomy capabilities, and deliver production-ready systems.

This role is intended for an engineer who has successfully deployed autonomous platforms into operational environments and understands the challenges of transitioning from simulation to fielded systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and technical direction of the autonomy software stack.
• Design and implement robotics software using ROS 2 and related frameworks.
• Lead integration of sensors, radar, cameras, IMUs, GPS, communications, and mission systems.
• Develop and maintain autonomy capabilities including navigation, localization, perception, and mission execution.
• Architect multi-sensor fusion solutions for operation in degraded and contested environments.
• Design systems that continue operating safely when sensors or communications are impaired.
• Develop operator interfaces and mission management software.
• Support embedded and real-time software deployment on vehicle hardware.
• Establish testing, validation, simulation, and CI/CD processes for robotics software.
• Participate in field testing and troubleshooting of deployed systems.
• Mentor software engineers and contribute to technical standards and engineering best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience developing robotics, autonomy, or autonomous vehicle software.
• Demonstrated experience deploying autonomous systems on operational hardware.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python.
• Deep experience with ROS 2 and modern robotics software architectures.
• Experience with autonomy frameworks such as Nav2, Behavior Trees, SLAM Toolbox, or equivalent technologies.
• Experience integrating multiple sensor modalities including LiDAR, radar, cameras, GPS, and IMUs.
• Experience with sensor fusion, localization, and navigation systems.
• Experience working with embedded and real-time systems.
• Experience developing software verification, validation, and automated testing pipelines.

Preferred Experience

• Maritime autonomous systems experience.
• Defense, military, or government robotics experience.
• Experience with unmanned surface vessels (USV), UGVs, UAVs, or other autonomous platforms.
• Experience with mission planning and command-and-control systems.
• Familiarity with autonomy safety frameworks and reliability engineering.
• Experience operating autonomous systems in contested or degraded environments.
• Security clearance eligibility.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12 months, you will:

• Support the software architecture development for Marcurius autonomous platforms.
• Deliver a field-capable autonomy software stack integrated with vehicle hardware.
• Build robust sensor fusion and navigation capabilities.
• Implement software testing and deployment processes suitable for operational systems.
• Support successful vehicle integration and field testing activities.

Work Environment

• Based onsite in Clearwater/Tampa Bay, Florida, working closely with vehicle integration, systems engineering, and hardware teams.
• Hands-on involvement in system bring-up, hardware integration, sensor calibration, and field testing activities.
• Regular participation in dockside testing, sea trials, and operational demonstrations of maritime autonomous systems.
• Fast-paced engineering environment focused on rapid prototyping, iterative development, and continuous improvement.
• Direct collaboration with Chief Engineer, Systems Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Mission Software Engineers, and Autonomy Specialists.
• Opportunity to influence technical architecture and key engineering decisions from concept through deployment.

Why Marcurius

Marcurius is a people-first, execution-focused organization assembling a small, high-impact team of engineers and operators. This role offers the opportunity to design and field electrical systems that directly enable real-world maritime missions and help build the technical foundation of a next-generation unmanned systems company.