Senior Lunar Localization Software Engineer

Samson Rose; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Samson Rose in Los Angeles seeks a senior robotics software engineer to own the localization stack for our lunar rovers. You will design the approach, implement it in Python/C++, and test on hardware and Gazebo simulations using NASA terrain data.

You will define metrics for drift, accuracy, and health, validate results in field-like tests, and integrate localization with path planning and hazard avoidance to enable robust autonomous operation in GNSS-denied environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of programming in Python and/or C/C++.
• Experience developing software for real robots.
• Strong background in non-GPS localization (INS, EKF/UKF, SLAM, odometry).
• Deep understanding of localization algorithms beyond typical packages.
• Proven track record from implementation to measured improvement.
• CS degree or equivalent coding excellence.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Interest in multi-planet human exploration.

Responsibilities

• Own the localization architecture from approach to implementation and testing.
• Develop software estimating rover position from sensors (IMU, cameras, LIDAR, wheel odometry, star trackers, sun sensors, terrain matching).
• Handle calibration, time synchronization, coordinate frames, and sensor health across the sensor suite.
• Test on rover prototypes at a lunar analog test site and in Gazebo-based mission simulations built on NASA lunar terrain data.
• Define metrics and ground truth to quantify drift, accuracy, and consistency, and use field results to drive technical decisions.
• Integrate localization outputs and health signals with path planning, hazard avoidance, and recovery behavior.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Robotics software development

Non-GPS localization experience

System integration and testing

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Gazebo

MuJoCo

Job description

Samson Rose in Los Angeles seeks a senior robotics software engineer to own the localization stack for our lunar rovers. You will design the approach, implement it in Python/C++, and test on hardware and Gazebo simulations using NASA terrain data.

You will define metrics for drift, accuracy, and health, validate results in field-like tests, and integrate localization with path planning and hazard avoidance to enable robust autonomous operation in GNSS-denied environments.