Senior Robotics Software Engineer

Socket.dev; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Voyager Technologies in Pittsburgh seeks a Senior Robotics Software Engineer to build perception software for autonomous rovers and robotic spacecraft. You will design and optimize Vision/LiDAR processing, sensor fusion, and navigation pipelines, while enabling embedded deployment and hardware-in-the-loop validation.

You will work with a team of engineers across sensor processing, GNC, and flight software, contributing to sim tools and real-world field tests in a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• BS in a relevant field (CS/CE/Robotics/Aerospace) or equivalent experience.
• Strong programming skills in modern C++ and Python.
• Experience shipping production software in a Linux environment.
• Hands-on work with robotics perception or autonomy is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain perception software for autonomous rovers and robotic spacecraft.
• Develop stereo vision and LiDAR algorithms for odometry, hazard detection, mapping, and localization.
• Build sensor fusion pipelines using camera, LiDAR, IMU, RF, and navigation data.
• Implement feature detection, image registration, optical flow, and point cloud processing pipelines.
• Design motion control, path planning, and behavior control for surface vehicles.
• Optimize robotics software for embedded ARM processors and heterogeneous compute (GPUs/FPGAs).
• Integrate robotics algorithms into flight software architectures.
• Develop simulation tools and sensor models for development and validation.
• Develop automated testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and software-in-the-loop (SIL) frameworks.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Robotics

Education

BS in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Voyager is an innovative space, defense, and national security technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.

Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies

The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we’re building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what’s next. And we’re doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart.

You’ll help lay the foundation for humanity's future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We’re a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality.

If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person,forge the future with Voyager.

The Senior Robotics Software Engineer for Voyager Lunar Systemsis responsible for building perception systems for robotic rover platforms with cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, and other onboard sensors to estimate vehicle state, detect hazards, and support autonomous guidance, navigation and control (GNC).

The position reports to the Software & Controls Manager and is part of the Software & Controls Department based in Pittsburgh, PA.

In this role, the essential functions are:

• Design, develop, and maintain perception software for autonomous rovers and robotic spacecraft.
• Develop stereo vision and LiDAR algorithms for visual-inertial odometry (VIO), hazard detection and avoidance (HDA), mapping, and localization.
• Build sensor fusion pipelines combining camera, LiDAR, IMU, RF, and navigation measurements.
• Implement feature detection, image registration, optical flow, and point cloud processing pipelines.
• Design kinematics-informed motion control, path planning, and behavior control systems for surface vehicles.
• Optimize robotics software for embedded ARM processors and heterogeneous compute platforms including GPUs and FPGAs.
• Integrate robotics algorithms into flight software architectures.
• Develop simulation tools and sensor models of varying fidelities for algorithm and system development and validation.
• Develop automated testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and software-in-the-loop (SIL) verification frameworks.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace or related field
• 5+ years of hands-on work experience developing algorithms to solve challenging real-world problems
• Strong programming skills in modern C++ and Python
• Experience shipping production software in a Linux environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS/PhD in Computer Science or related field
• Background in sensor processing, robotics, and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems.
• Experience field-testing and troubleshooting full robotic systems in relevant environments.
• Technical knowledge of perception algorithms including computer vision, 3D pointcloud processing, state estimation, sensor fusion, SLAM, etc.
• Experience working with various sensor modalities, including camera, LiDAR, radar, IMU, GPS.
• Experience with geographic information systems (GIS) including spatial transformations, map projections, and digital elevation models (DEMs).
• Experience training and deploying deep learning models for AI/ML applications

Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.

• Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long-term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting long-term financial security
• Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment

Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120–130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730–774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.