Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Navigation/Localization

Xapply; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 292,000; Full time

Job summary

Anduril Industries in Costa Mesa, CA seeks an experienced Navigation/Localization Engineer to develop, integrate, and test navigation solutions for autonomous platforms operating in GNSS-contested environments. You will work across sensor selection, placement, simulation pipelines, and field fly-fix iterations to ensure robust operation.

You will join a team focused on perception, autonomy, and mission execution, contributing to high-quality software and enabling rapid iteration while

Qualifications

• Experience in navigation/localization algorithms for autonomous systems.
• Experience with Kalman filtering and estimation techniques.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Clear communication and ability to break down large problems.

Responsibilities

• Implement sensor fusion to combine GNSS/IMU/LIDAR/radar/camera data for robust navigation.
• Test, analyze performance, and iterate on navigation algorithms in the field.
• Develop simulations and testing environments for localization under varied conditions.
• Design fault-tolerant algorithms optimized for onboard compute.
• Collaborate with autonomy, flight controls, and hardware teams to integrate navigation solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills

Navigation

Localization

Sensor fusion

Kalman filtering

Field testing

Problem solving

Communication

Python

CUDA

Linux

Education

MS or PhD in Robotics/CS/Applied Math

Tools

Python

Rust

Nix

CUDA

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Maneuver Dominance team at Anduril develops operationally relevant, multi-asset autonomy. We are focused on making large groups of autonomous systems work effectively together, with a particular emphasis on larger, more capable unmanned aerial vehicles. Our team specializes in integrating advanced perception and autonomy algorithms into complex aerial platforms, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in autonomous flight and mission execution. We develop cutting-edge Computer Vision, Navigation, and Autonomy algorithms to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers, particularly in challenging and dynamic environments where robust awareness is critical.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking an experienced Navigation/Localization Engineer with a strong background in robotics or aerial systems to join our growing team in Costa Mesa, CA. Anduril is developing software at the intersection of computer vision, sensor fusion, and machine learning. In this role you will be developing, integrating, and testing navigation solutions that will allow platforms including Omen and Thunder to operate in the most challenging GNSS-contested environments. You’ll work across the stack including sensor selection, placement, and integration; simulation and data replay pipelines; fly-fix-fly iteration in the field; and automated testing/analysis to prevent regressions. You’ll be part of a team that values innovation, rapid iteration, and delivering high-quality solutions for real-world operation.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Implement robust sensor fusion techniques to combine GNSS, IMU, LIDAR, radar, and camera data, improving navigation accuracy and resilience
• Rapidly test, analyze performance, and iterate on algorithm and flight control design in the field
• Develop simulation and testing environment to evaluate the performance of localization solutions under different environmental conditions and scenarios
• Design fault-tolerant algorithms optimized for on-board compute constraints and robust operation in GNSS-contested environments
• Analyze mission requirements and constraints across the Anduril product portfolio to determine optimal navigation, localization, and positioning system architecture
• Architect and improve calibration procedures for sensor suites used in navigation systems
• Work directly with autonomy, flight controls, and hardware teams to integrate navigation solutions into full vehicle systems and close the loop in flight test
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in developing, maintaining, or testing navigation / localization algorithms for autonomous vehicles, robotics, drones, maritime vehicles or similar application
• Experience with Kalman filtering and other estimation techniques
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong communication skills and the ability to take large problems and break them down into actionable parts
• Eligible to obtain and hold a U.S. Secret security clearance
• Travel up to 25%

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MS or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Applied Math, Physics, or related field
• Experience with Python, Rust, and Nix software development
• Experience with sensor calibration, sensor fusion, state estimation, and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) techniques
• Strong knowledge of navigation principles, including inertial navigation, GPS, and aiding sources (e.g. vision-based navigation)
• Experience with regression testing using data replay from a large number of previously collected datasets
• Experience processing sensor measurements from LIDAR, Electro-Optical sensors, Radar, or RF sensors
• Experience processing sensor measurements from Inertial Measurement Units
• Experience with sensor characterization and modeling
• Experience in Linux and modern software development tooling
• Experience with CUDA and NVIDIA ecosystem

US Salary Range

$220,000 — $292,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril’s total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:

Benefits

Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.