Robotics Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Clera Labs, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Clera Labs, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN is seeking an engineer to design, integrate, and validate autonomous drone systems on-site. You will develop control, navigation, and perception solutions, test in simulation, and help enable safe field operations.

The role requires hands-on robotics experience, strong C++/Python skills with ROS or ROS 2, and familiarity with PX4/ArduPilot, MAVLink, and embedded hardware. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years hands-on robotics or UAV experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and integrate robotic mechanisms, sensors, actuators, controllers, and payloads.
• Develop control, navigation, path-planning, obstacle avoidance.
• Program robotics software with ROS/ROS 2 and C++/Python; validate in simulation.
• Integrate flight controllers, companion computers, comms, and telemetry with drone systems.
• Build, troubleshoot, and independently validate robotic systems in the field.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electronics, and software teams on prototypes.

Skills

C++

Python

ROS/ROS 2

Linux

Kinematics & Dynamics

Control theory

Sensor fusion

Education

Bachelor's degree in robotics / mechatronics / electrical engineering / aerospace / CS

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

MAVLink

Flight controllers

CAN/UART/I2C

Raspberry Pi / Jetson

Job description

About the Role

Join an engineering and R&D team developing autonomous drone delivery systems. You will design, integrate, and test robotic systems from prototype through field validation, helping enable safe and reliable operations.

What You'll Do

• Design and integrate robotic mechanisms, sensors, actuators, controllers, and drone payload systems.

• Develop control, navigation, path-planning, and obstacle-avoidance solutions.

• Program robotics software with ROS or ROS 2 and C++ or Python, and validate it in simulation.

• Integrate flight controllers, companion computers, communication links, and telemetry with drone systems.

• Build, troubleshoot, and independently validate robotic systems in the field.

• Work with mechanical, electronics, and software teams to develop and deploy prototypes.

What We're Looking For

• At least 2 years of hands‑on experience building or delivering robotics, UAV, or autonomous systems.

• Proficiency in C++ or Python, ROS or ROS 2, and Linux; MATLAB familiarity is useful.

• Knowledge of robotics fundamentals, including kinematics, dynamics, control theory, PID, and system integration.

• Hands‑on experience with PX4 or ArduPilot, MAVLink, flight controllers, motors, ESCs, and batteries.

• Experience integrating sensors such as IMUs, GPS/RTK, and LiDAR, with knowledge of sensor fusion and GPS‑denied navigation.

• Experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers, Raspberry Pi or Jetson, actuators, and hardware debugging.

• Familiarity with CAN, UART, I2C, drone telemetry, prototyping, simulation, flight‑log analysis, and field testing.

• A degree in robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, aerospace, computer science, or a related field.

• Computer vision, machine learning, SLAM, Gazebo or Webots, CAD, BVLOS operations, and UTM concepts are useful additional experience.

Compensation & Benefits

Visa sponsorship is not available.

Location

On‑site in Indianapolis, United States.