Robotics Engineer

Darwin Recruitment; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a mission-driven company focused on national security and defense autonomy as a Robotics SLAM Engineer. In this pivotal role, you'll design and optimize cutting-edge localization and mapping algorithms for real-time navigation in dynamic environments. Collaborate with top engineers in the field and gain access to advanced technologies and live field tests. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of autonomous defense systems while enjoying a competitive salary and equity package. If you're passionate about robotics and want to make a significant impact, this role is for you!

Benefits

Competitive salary

Equity package

Access to novel hardware

High technical autonomy

Live field tests

Qualifications

• Strong experience in SLAM and sensor fusion for autonomous navigation.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python with embedded systems experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement real-time SLAM algorithms for autonomous navigation.
• Develop robust localization pipelines for GPS-denied environments.

Skills

SLAM (ORB-SLAM, Cartographer, RTAB-Map, Kimera)

C++

Python

Sensor Fusion (IMU, LiDAR, cameras)

Real-time Systems

Embedded Optimization

Education

M.S. in Robotics

Ph.D. in Robotics

M.S. in Computer Science

Ph.D. in Computer Science

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Job description

This range is provided by Darwin Recruitment. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$140,000.00/yr - $200,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from Darwin Recruitment

As a Robotics SLAM Engineer, you'll play a critical role in designing, implementing, and optimizing localization and mapping algorithms for real-time, autonomous navigation in highly dynamic and challenging environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and implement real-time SLAM algorithms (Visual, LiDAR, Multi-Sensor Fusion)

Develop robust localization pipelines for GPS-denied, degraded visual environments

Integrate SLAM systems into our autonomy stack, working closely with perception, controls, and hardware teams

Optimize performance across embedded compute platforms (GPU, ARM)

Conduct field testing, system validation, and failure analysis in simulation and real-world environments

Support government R&D projects and collaborate with defense partners

What We're Looking For:

Strong experience in SLAM (e.g., ORB-SLAM, Cartographer, RTAB-Map, Kimera, etc.)

Proficiency in C++ and Python; ROS/ROS2 experience preferred

Deep understanding of sensor fusion (IMU, LiDAR, cameras)

Experience with real-time systems and/or embedded optimization

Familiarity with defense/military domain a plus (but not required)

M.S. or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field

Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for security clearance

Why Join Us?

Mission-driven work in national security and defense autonomy

Competitive salary + equity package

Early-stage ownership and high technical autonomy

Access to live field tests, novel hardware, and advanced simulation environments

Work alongside world-class robotics, AI, and systems engineers

Ready to build the future of autonomous defense systems?

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Information Technology

• Industries

  Embedded Software Products

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