Senior Software Engineer

COGENT Infotech; Redmond (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

COGENT Infotech in Redmond, WA is seeking a Senior Software Engineer- Robotics to help design and implement vehicle control architectures for mobile robots. You will work on the central embedded computer running Linux, develop ros2_control interfaces, and tune closed-loop controllers for accurate vehicle dynamics.

The role requires strong C/C++, ROS2, real-time embedded systems, and experience with CAN bus, I2C, SPI, and RS485.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Robotics, CS, ME, Mechatronics or similar.
• Strong understanding of classical and modern control theory for vehicle dynamics.
• Proven ROS2 experience, esp. ros2_control, hardware interfaces and node lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement vehicle control architecture for mobile robotics.
• Develop ros2_control interfaces and drivers for custom hardware.
• Design and tune PID/MPC/LQR controllers for vehicle dynamics.
• Integrate sensors and perform sensor fusion for state estimation.

Skills

ROS2 Experience

Control Theory

Embedded Systems

C/C++ Proficiency

Education

BS or MS in Robotics, CS, ME, Mechatronics

Tools

CAN bus (J1939/CANopen)

I2C

SPI

RS485

Job description

Job Title: Senior Software Engineer- Robotics

Location: Redmond , WA (3 days Hybrid)

What you'll do

Vehicle Control Development

• Contribute to the design and implementation of the vehicle control architecture.
• Implement logic on the central high-performance embedded computer running Linux and distributed real-time microcontrollers.

ROS2 Control Implementation

• Implement ros2_control hardware interfaces that abstract complex custom hardware into standard interfaces.
• Develop firmware and drivers to interface ROS2 with low-level custom hardware boards via:
• CAN-FD (J1939 / CANopen)
• I2C
• SPI
• UART

Algorithm Design

• Design and tune closed-loop control algorithms (PID, MPC, LQR) to manage vehicle dynamics.
• Actuate multi-DOF systems with precision and implement controllers within ROS2.

Hardware Interface, Sensor Fusion & Instrumentation

• Integrate sensors including IMUs, encoders, LiDAR, GPS, and pressure transducers.
• Create accurate vehicle state estimates through sensor fusion.

Hydraulic Systems Control

• Model and control complex non-linear hydraulic systems (valves, pumps, cylinders).
• Convert digital control commands into fluid power actions.

What you'll bring

Required Qualifications:

• Education: BS or MS in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or similar field.
• Control Theory Expertise: Strong understanding of classical and modern control theory, including vehicle kinematics and dynamics.
• ROS2 Experience: Proven experience with ROS2, particularly ros2_control, hardware interfaces, and node lifecycle management.
• Embedded Systems Experience: Experience contributing to distributed control architectures for mobile robots, automotive systems, or heavy machinery.
• Embedded Protocols: Hands‑on experience with:
• CAN bus (J1939 or CANopen)
• I2C
• SPI
• RS485
• C/C++ Proficiency: Strong real-time C++ skills (C++20/23) for constrained embedded environments.

Preferred Qualifications (Highly Desirable):

• Hydraulics Experience: Electro-hydraulic control experience in heavy machinery, agriculture, or construction equipment.
• Safety-Critical Systems: Knowledge of functional safety standards or safety-critical RTOS implementations.
• Simulation: Experience with URDF and simulators such as Gazebo or Isaac Sim.
• Microcontrollers: Experience with real-time microcontrollers and application processors, including Yocto Linux.