Senior Developer – AI/ML Autonomous Driving & Navigation

YO IT Consulting; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

YO IT Consulting is seeking a Senior Developer focused on AI/ML for autonomous navigation systems in Melbourne, Florida. The ideal candidate must have over 7 years of experience in software development and proficiency in C++ and Python. Responsibilities include designing software for navigation, optimizing AI/ML models, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from USD 145,000 to USD 165,000 per year.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of software development experience with significant work in AI/ML.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and Python.
• Experience with autonomous driving or robotics systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop software for autonomous navigation.
• Build and optimize AI/ML models for object detection and classification.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate autonomy into vehicle software.

Skills

Software development experience

AI/ML expertise

Programming skills in C++

Sensor fusion

Computer vision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field

Tools

C++

Python

PyTorch

TensorFlow

OpenCV

ROS/ROS2

Job description

Role: Senior Developer - AI/ML Autonomous Driving & Navigation

Domain: Electronics and Electrical

Location: Melbourne, Florida, USA

Experience: 7-20 Years

Salary: USD 145000 - USD 165000

Must Have

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of software development experience with significant work in AI/ML, robotics, autonomous systems, or navigation.
• Strong programming skills in C++.
• Knowledge of AI/LLM training and deployment.
• Strong understanding of one or more of the following areas:
  • Sensor fusion
  • SLAM/localization/mapping
  • Path planning/trajectory generation
  • Computer vision
  • Object tracking
  • Reinforcement learning or behavior planning

About The Position

The ideal candidate brings strong experience in AI/ML-based autonomy, robotics software, and maritime navigation systems — including COLREGs implementation and Contact Avoidance Behaviors — with the ability to move from algorithm design through deployment on embedded or real‑time platforms. You will work across perception, controls, systems, simulation, and platform engineering teams to deliver robust, production‑quality autonomous capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop software for autonomous navigation, including localization, mapping, perception, path planning, obstacle avoidance, motion decision logic.
• Build and optimize AI/ML models for object detection, classification, tracking, scene understanding, and behavior prediction.
• Develop and integrate sensor fusion solutions using data from cameras, LiDAR, radar, GPS, IMU, and other onboard sensors.
• Implement navigation and autonomy algorithms for structured and unstructured environments.
• Collaborate with systems, controls, and platform teams to integrate autonomy functions into vehicle software architecture.
• Develop software in C++ for real‑time or near‑real‑time autonomy applications.
• Create simulation and test pipelines for model training, algorithm validation, and system verification.
• Support field testing, debug performance issues, and refine autonomy behavior based on real-world results.
• Improve software reliability, safety, performance, and maintainability using sound engineering practices.
• Contribute to requirements definition, technical planning, architecture reviews, and code reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in AI/ML and autonomy development.
• Support transition from prototype algorithms to production‑ready implementations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong Python coding skills.
• Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field.
• Experience with autonomous driving, ADAS, mobile robotics, marine autonomy, UAV autonomy, or other safety‑critical autonomous platforms.
• Experience deploying AI/ML models to embedded, edge, or GPU‑accelerated systems.
• Knowledge of real‑time operating systems or safety‑critical software development.
• Experience with Kalman filters, probabilistic estimation, occupancy grids, route planning, and mission planning.
• Experience with synthetic data, digital twins, or simulation environments (CARLA, Gazebo, AirSim, or similar).
• Familiarity with safety, verification, and validation standards or processes.
• Experience leading small technical teams or owning major autonomy subsystems.

Technical Skills

• Languages: C++, Python
• Frameworks/Libraries: PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV, ROS/ROS2
• Core Concepts: Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Sensor Fusion, SLAM, Path Planning, Computer Vision, Navigation, Localization
• Tools: Linux, Git, Docker, CI/CD, simulation and test frameworks.