Sr. UAV Autonomy Engineer - Drone Stack (AI2529)

SiMa.ai, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits package

Job summary

SiMa.ai in San Jose, CA is looking for a Sr. UAV Autonomy Engineer to own the core drone stack, focusing on GPS-denied navigation, perception, localization, and autonomous docking on embedded hardware.

You will lead development of the autonomy stack, implement real-time obstacle avoidance and motion planning, and work with PX4/ArduPilot ecosystems to deliver a robust, power-efficient solution for on-site drone platforms.

Qualifications

• 5+ years building autonomy software on real aircraft.
• Hands-on experience with VIO/SLAM and state estimation.
• Strong math and 3D geometry, rigid-body dynamics.
• Proficient in C++, Python, ROS 2.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of drone autonomy stack.
• Develop GPS-denied navigation and localization systems.
• Build autonomous docking and precision landing.
• Implement perception and motion planning for obstacle avoidance.
• Optimize edge deployment on embedded hardware.
• Manage camera-IMU calibration, SIL/HIL rigs, and flight tests.

Skills

Flight experience

VIO/SLAM

Sensor fusion

C++, Python

ROS 2

Education

BS/MS in Robotics, Aerospace, CS, or EE

Tools

PX4/ArduPilot

MAVLink

Job description

Job Title: Sr. UAV Autonomy Engineer - Drone Stack

Job Location: San Jose, CA (This position requires a full-time, on-site presence in our San Jose, CA office)

Job ID: AI2529

Job Description:

About SiMa.ai: SiMa.ai builds power-efficient edge AI chips and autonomy software for drones and robots. Our Modalix MLSoC and ONE Platform enable full perception and autonomy within strict SWaP (size, weight, and power) constraints.

About the role: We are seeking a hands-on UAV Autonomy Engineer to build the core of SiMa’s drone stack. You will own GPS-denied navigation and autonomous docking, developing the perception, localization, and control software required for aircraft to sense, avoid obstacles, and land accurately without GNSS on embedded hardware.

What you'll do

You will lead the development of our core drone autonomy stack:

• GPS-Denied Navigation & Localization: Maintain flight stability and precise positioning in environments where GNSS is unavailable.
• Autonomous Docking & Precision Landing: Build reliable systems for repeatable docking to stations in challenging conditions.
• Perception & Motion Planning: Implement real-time obstacle avoidance and path planning algorithms for smooth, collision-free flight.
• Edge Deployment: Optimize the autonomy stack for SiMa’s embedded hardware under strict power/weight limits.
• Systems & Test: Manage camera-IMU calibration, SIL/HIL rigs, and flight testing to close the sim-to-real gap.

Required qualifications:

• Flight Experience: 5+ years building autonomy software flown on real aircraft (multirotor, fixed-wing, or VTOL); integrated flight stacks (PX4/ArduPilot) via MAVLink.
• Autonomy Depth: Hands-on expertise in VIO/SLAM, multi-sensor fusion, state estimation, and closed-loop control.
• Software & Math: Fluent in modern C++, Python, and ROS 2; strong grasp of 3D geometry and rigid-body dynamics.
• Education: BS/MS in Robotics, Aerospace, CS, EE, or a related field.

Good to have:

• Certification to DO-178C/DO-254 or familiarity with AMC 20-193 (neural network assurance).
• Experience with edge accelerators (Jetson, etc.) and Factor-graph optimization (GTSAM/Ceres).
• FAA Part 107 certification and field flight-test experience.

Why it matters

GPS-denied autonomy and reliable docking are the key differentiators for deployable drones. The stack you build will set the benchmark for SiMa silicon and will ship in every drone program adopting our platform.

Personal attributes:

Can-do attitude. Strong team player. Curious, creative and good at solving problems. Execution and results-oriented. Self-driven, Thinks Big and is highly accountable. Good communication skills.

The annual salary for this position ranges from $120,800 - $193,300. The actual annual salary offered will depend on several factors, including - among others - job-related skills, experience, technical expertise, qualifications, work location, and business needs. The annual salary range for this position is subject to change and may be adjusted in the future.

In addition to base salary, this role is also eligible for private company equity, and a comprehensive package of employee benefits. Please note that the salary ranges listed for U.S. roles reflect base salary only and do not include equity or other forms of compensation.

EEO Employer: SiMa is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.