Senior Robotics Software Engineer I

ICON Technology, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ICON is seeking a Senior Robotics Software Engineer for our Software team in Austin, TX. You will develop high-performance C++ software to drive robotic arm motions, integrate real-time sensor data, and ensure reliable motion planning across ICON’s systems.

You will work on ROS-based architectures, sensor fusion, and simulation environments, collaborating with hardware and software teams to deliver robust, production-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Software Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
• 5+ years of professional robotics software development experience.
• Proficiency in modern C++ (17+) and Python in a robotics context.
• Deep understanding of robotic arm kinematics, dynamics, and motion planning.
• Hands-on experience with sensors, actuators, localization, perception, and control systems.
• Experience with sensor fusion and state estimation algorithms (e.g., Kalman Filters).
• Strong knowledge of autonomy, ROS, and robotics simulation environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize high-performance C++ software for robotic arms.
• Develop motion planning and trajectory generation algorithms for industrial arms.
• Implement real-time sensor fusion and state estimation to improve localization.
• Program robotic arm motions in coordination with other systems.
• Develop and maintain simulated environments and automated test frameworks.
• Lead system integration and validation across hardware and software.
• Participate in architecture decisions for controls and electrical systems.
• Contribute to design and code reviews for quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and report to the Director of Embedded Software Engineering.

Skills

C++17+

Python

ROS

Robot arm kinematics

Motion planning

Sensor fusion

Real-time systems

Testing/CI

Education

Master's degree or higher in Software Engineering, Robotics, or related field

Tools

ROS

Git

Job description

ICON is looking for a Senior Robotics Software Engineer to join our Software team in Austin, TX. As a Senior Robotics Software Engineer, you will help develop and maintain robotic control software for all of ICON’s robotic systems. You will be responsible for developing high-performance C++ software to drive complex arm motions, integrating real-time sensor data, and ensuring reliable motion planning. This role is based at ICON’s Austin, TX headquarters, and will report to the Director of Embedded Software Engineering.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and optimize high-performance C++ software for controlling and coordinating large-scale robotic arms.
• Develop robust motion planning and trajectory generation algorithms to safely navigate industrial arms through complex workspaces.
• Implement real-time sensor fusion and state estimation algorithms (using sensors like IMUs, LiDAR, etc.) to improve arm localization and end-effector precision.
• Program robotic arm motions in coordination with other systems.
• Develop and maintain simulated environments and automated test frameworks to support continuous integration and system verification.
• Lead system integration and validation efforts across hardware and software.
• Participate in architecture decisions for controls and electrical systems, including component selection and standardization.
• Participate in design & code reviews to maintain consistency and high-quality output.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters Degree or higher in Software Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in robotics software development.
• Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ (17 or newer) and Python within a professional robotics software development environment.
• Deep foundational understanding of robotic arm kinematics (forward and inverse), multi-body dynamics, and motion planning.
• Hands-on experience with robotic platforms, sensors, actuators, localization, perception, and control systems.
• Practical experience designing and optimizing sensor fusion and state estimation algorithms (e.g., Kalman Filters).
• Strong knowledge of autonomy algorithms, robotics frameworks (such as ROS), and simulation environments.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience programming industrial robots in high-level languages.
• Experience in formal control theory and linear algebra.
• A general understanding of how to manage redundant kinematic chains or stabilize dynamic systems.
• Proven track record of delivering products to end users and production environments.
• Familiarity with hardware design, prototyping, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong analytical mindset to identify issues, propose innovative solutions, and make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of performance.

ICON is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an innovative, inclusive, diverse and discrimination-free work environment. Employment with ICON is based on merit, competence, and qualifications. It is our policy to administer all personnel actions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting employees, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Consistent with the obligations of these laws, ICON will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Furthermore, as a federal government contractor, the Company maintains an affirmative action program which furthers its commitment and complies with recordkeeping and reporting requirements under certain federal civil rights laws and regulations, including Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended) and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (as amended).