Principal Robotics Engineer

Applied-Research-Associates,-Inc; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied-Research-Associates, Inc. in San Antonio, TX seeks a Principal Robotics Engineer to design and optimize real-time C++ software for robotics and simulation. You will build and integrate ROS/ROS2 frameworks, develop virtual models, and refine control systems for embedded robotics platforms.

Ideal candidates have 12+ years of robotics software experience, a strong foundation in C++, and hands-on work with simulation tools such as Gazebo, Unity, or Unreal Engine. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in robotics software development.
• Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ for embedded and real-time systems.
• Experience with simulation environments such as Gazebo, Unity or Unreal Engine.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize high-performance real-time C++ code for embedded robotics.
• Develop and maintain virtual models and simulation environments for testing robotics systems.
• Create software frameworks and algorithms to integrate sensors, actuators, and controllers.
• Analyze data from simulations and hardware to improve performance and reliability.
• Contribute to robotic subsystems including motion planning, perception, and control.

Skills

Modern C++

Robotics software

Real-time systems

ROS/ROS2

Embedded systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE

Tools

Gazebo

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

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Principal Robotics Engineer

Locations

• On-site
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: PRINC010127

Description

ARA's Engineering Science Division is seeking a highly skilled and innovative principal robotics engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in C++ development coupled with experience in robotics. This role involves developing robust C++ software for virtual simulation.

This is an on-site position located in San Antonio, TX.

U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

What you will do as a principal robotics engineer:

• Design, implement, and optimize high-performance, real-time C++ code for embedded systems, robotics control, and simulation infrastructure.
• Create, maintain, and optimize virtual models and simulation environments to test, validate, and refine robotic systems and algorithms before physical deployment.
• Develop software frameworks (e.g., ROS/ROS2) and algorithms for controlling and integrating various robotic subsystems, including sensors, motor controllers, and actuators.
• Analyze data from both simulations and physical hardware to optimize performance and debug system behavior.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience. Advanced degree may serve in partial fulfillment of the experience requirement.
  • Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ (C++11/14/17 or higher) for embedded and real-time systems.
  • Demonstrated experience in robotics software development, including motion planning, perception, and control systems.
  • Experience developing or working with simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, Unity, Unreal Engine) for robotics applications.
  • Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose issues across complex hardware and software systems.

Preferred experience:

• Familiarity with unmanned Navy systems.
• Portfolio showcasing hands-on projects involving C++ programming, robotics, and PCB design.

About ARA:

ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs more than 2,200 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in computer software and simulation, environmental technologies, defense technologies, systems analysis, civil technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for robotics, environmental site characterization, and pavement analysis.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.