Principal Robotics Engineer

Ara; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

ARA is seeking a highly skilled principal robotics engineer to join our team in San Antonio. You will design and implement high-performance C++ software for embedded robotics and simulation environments to validate systems before deployment.

The role emphasizes real-time robotics software development, robotics control, and model-based testing using tools like Gazebo, Unity, and Unreal Engine. A strong engineering background and citizenship for security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in robotics software and embedded systems.
• Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ (C++11/14/17 or higher) for embedded and real-time robotics.
• Experience with simulation tools such as Gazebo, Unity, or Unreal Engine.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize high-performance, real-time C++ code for embedded robotics systems.
• Develop virtual models and simulation environments to test robotic systems before deployment.
• Create software frameworks and algorithms for sensing, actuation, and control.
• Analyze simulation and hardware data to improve performance and diagnose issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate subsystems.

Skills

Embedded real-time C++

Robotics software development

Data analysis / debugging

C++11/14/17+

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Gazebo

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

Job Category: Engineering Support Services

Requisition Number: PRINC010030

Posted : August 17, 2026

• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

ARA 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.

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

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.