Robotics Engineer, Senior

9 Mothers

Austin (TX)

On-site

USD 100,000 - 130,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful Early Equity

100% Employer-Paid Premiums

Unlimited PTO

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

A pioneering defense technology company in Austin, TX seeks a Senior Robotics Engineer. The ideal candidate will design critical control systems for advanced robotics to address immediate operational challenges. Proficiency in Rust, C, or C++ is essential, along with a strong grasp of control theory and embedded systems. The role emphasizes hands-on work, rapid development cycles, and a direct impact on national security projects. Benefits include equity, unlimited PTO, and a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

Expertise in designing control and performance for robotics applications.
Hands-on experience with embedded robotics systems.
Experience managing scopes and using logic analyzers.

Responsibilities

Design and implement control loops for vehicle stability.
Write efficient code for actuator and sensor management.
Integrate sensor data for real-time state estimation.

Skills

Control theory & embedded systems

Programming in Rust

Embedded robotics systems

Sensor integration

Tools

NVIDIA Jetson

C/C++

CAN bus

Job description

Location: Onsite — Austin, TX

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Job Title: Senior Robotics Engineer

About 9 Mothers

The modern battlefield has changed. Cheap, autonomous suicide drones have turned the tactical advantage upside down, and the world is looking for a solution. At 9 Mothers, we aren’t just "innovating"—we are building the shield.

Backed by top-tier investors, we develop AI powered machines designed to intercept and neutralize Group 1/sUAS threats in real-time. Our flagship product is a low-power, counter-drone system built for the edge—on vehicles, at bases, or in a soldier's pack.

Why 9 Mothers?

While others build for "awareness" or "long-term research," we build for the immediate survival of those in harm’s way. We are a team of hackers, engineers, and mission‑driven builders who value field‑ready capability over polished slide decks. If you want to see your code or hardware in the field next month—not next year—this is your playground.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Robotics Engineer to join a small, fast‑moving team. You will design and implement the physical control systems — the “body” — of our interceptor platforms. This role is critical, as the accuracy of our control theory dictates the success of every high‑speed maneuver in combat. You should be comfortable writing code and working with robotic components (actuators, controllers, compute, sensors, etc.).

Essential Duties

Design and implement high‑bandwidth control loops and advanced control algorithms (e.g., PID control) to ensure vehicle stability and enable high‑speed, precise maneuvers under dynamic load.
Write high‑quality, efficient code (primarily Rust, C, or C++) to control and manage actuators, motor drivers (via CAN bus), and sensors on a real‑time operating system (RTOS).
Integrate and fuse sensor data from cameras and IMUs (using methods such as EKF/UKF) on embedded systems (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson) to achieve reliable, real‑time state estimation.
Act as the final link in the autonomy chain, translating tracking output from the computer vision system into reliable motor commands that accurately steer the interceptor.
Define, build, and maintain Python tools for calibration, logging, and CI/CD, ensuring rapid iteration and deployment.

Requirements

Control theory & embedded systems: Strong grasp of PID control, motor drivers, CAN bus, and RTOS fundamentals. Expertise in designing control and performance for robotics applications.
Programming/frameworks: Hands‑on experience building embedded robotics systems. Proficiency in Rust, C, or C++ for speed and direct hardware interaction.
Hardware: Experience with embedded platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson and camera pipelines. Skilled in managing scopes, logic/CAN analyzers, and basic rework.
U.S. Citizenship and the ability to pass a background check

Nice‑to‑Have

Experience with ROS2, DDS, or similar middleware
Model‑predictive or adaptive control expertise
PCB design and EMC awareness
Safety‑critical workflow experience
Prior defense startup experience
Security clearance or ability to obtain one
Passion for building robots or engineering projects as a hobby

Benefits

Meaningful Early Equity: You aren't just an employee; you are a foundational owner. Your contributions directly drive the value of your stake in the company.
Direct Roadmap Influence: Forget the bureaucracy of big defense. You will have a seat at the table, directly shaping our product and technology trajectory from day one.
Mission‑Critical Work: We don't build for "what if." We build systems the Department of War actively needs to counter immediate, real‑world threats.
The Builder's Playground: Work in a brand‑new lab fully optimized for rapid prototyping, equipped with NVIDIA Jetsons, high‑end scopes, and 3‑D printers.
100% Employer‑Paid Premiums: We cover 100% of your medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums and cover 50% of healthcare premiums for your dependents.
Unlimited PTO: We value results, not clock‑watching. Take the time you need to stay sharp and recharge.
Zero Red Tape: You report to the founders. You have the autonomy to make technical decisions that would take months of committee approval at a larger firm.
Austin‑Based Culture: Join an onsite team in Austin, TX, where we prioritize high‑bandwidth collaboration and rapid field‑testing.
Relocation Assistance: We want the best talent in the room. If you aren't in Austin yet, we’ll help you get here, to make your transition to the Silicon Hills seamless.