Software Engineer - Robotics (Motion)

Allen Control Systems; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

ACS Equity Package

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Allen Control Systems in Mountain View, CA is seeking a Software Engineer specializing in robotics to turn computer vision outputs into precise, safe motion within real-time control loops. You will work on tracking drones and calibrating sensor/actuator chains, with emphasis on safety and performance.

We hire across several levels (Associate to Senior/Staff). Candidates should have a CS/SE degree and strong C++ (real-time) and Python skills, plus familiarity with ROS/ROS 2 and control theory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in C++ for real-time/deterministic code; Python for tooling and analysis.
• Solid grounding in linear algebra, kinematics, and coordinate transforms.
• Experience with real-time or low-latency systems and performance optimization.
• Control theory fundamentals (PID and beyond).

Responsibilities

• Control robot motion to track drones under tight real-time constraints.
• Develop and tune real-time control loops for accurate, stable pointing.
• Own calibration routines and coordinate-frame transforms across the sensor/actuator chain.
• Define and negotiate a robust software/hardware contract at the actuation handoff, minimizing rework.
• Enforce safety constraints on motion (limits, no-fire zones, fault handling) as a first-class design concern.

Skills

C++ real-time

Python tooling

Control theory fundamentals

Real-time / low-latency systems

Coordinate transforms

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in CS/SE or related field

Tools

ROS/ROS 2

Eigen

Kalman filtering

MPC / LQR

Job description

Company Overview:

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup, founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing a small, autonomous gun turret that employs advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely target and neutralize small drones and loitering munitions. Our innovative approach requires overcoming significant technical challenges, making this an exciting and dynamic environment for experienced engineers.

With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders' successful exits from two previous venture acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop will have a real-world impact.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Software Engineer with a speciality in Robotics. In this position you will be responsible for turning computer vision output into precise, safe motion — running real-time control loops, and getting the turret pointed exactly where we want it, when we want it.

We’re hiring across multiple experience levels, including:

• Associate Software Engineer.




• Software Engineer.




• Senior Software Engineer.




• Staff Software Engineer.




• Senior Staff Software Engineer.

Your title and level will be determined based on your experience, skills, and the scope of responsibility appropriate for the role.

What You'll Do:

• Control robot motion to track drones under tight real-time constraints.




• Develop and tune real-time control loops for accurate, stable pointing.




• Own calibration routines and coordinate-frame transforms across the sensor/actuator chain.




• Define and negotiate a robust software/hardware contract at the actuation handoff, minimizing rework.




• Enforce safety constraints on motion (limits, no-fire zones, fault handling) as a first-class design concern.

What You’ll Need:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.




• Strong proficiency in C++ for real-time/deterministic code; Python for tooling and analysis.

• Solid grounding in linear algebra, kinematics, and coordinate transforms.

• Experience with real-time or low-latency systems and performance optimization.

• Control theory fundamentals (PID and beyond).

You'll Stand Out:

• Robotics frameworks (ROS/ROS 2) and Eigen.




• Advanced control (MPC, LQR, state estimation / Kalman filtering).




• Motor / servo / actuator control and sensor calibration.




• Real-time Linux, deterministic scheduling, or safety-critical systems experience.

• What We Offer:

  
  
  
  

  • Competitive salary

  
  

  • ACS Equity Package

  
  

  • Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

  
  

  • Paid Time Off

  
  
  
  

  Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.