Principal Robotics Engineer

Ara; San Antonio, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

ARA is seeking a principal robotics engineer to design and optimize high-performance, real-time C++ software for embedded and robotic systems, including simulation environments.

The role is on-site in San Antonio, TX, and requires a strong robotics software background, ROS/ROS2 proficiency, and experience with simulation tools. A Bachelor's degree in CS/CE and 12+ years in the field are expected, with U.S. citizenship required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in robotics software engineering.
• Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ for embedded and real-time systems.
• Experience with simulation environments (Gazebo, Unity, Unreal Engine) for robotics applications.
• Experience developing or working with ROS/ROS2 and robotics frameworks.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project milestones.

Skills

Modern C++ (C++11/14/17+)

Robotics software development

Motion planning

Perception

Control systems

ROS/ROS2

Simulation environments (Gazebo/Unity/

Embedded real-time systems

Education

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

12+ years of experience

Tools

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
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