Sr. UAV Autonomy Engineer - Drone Stack (AI2530)

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

Job summary

SiMa.ai seeks a Senior UAV Autonomy Engineer to build the core drone stack for GPS-denied navigation, perception, localization, and autonomous docking on embedded hardware in San Jose, CA. The role emphasizes end‑to‑end flight autonomy, real‑time obstacle avoidance, and robust control on power‑constrained hardware.

You will own perception, localization, and control software, FPGA/embedded optimizations, and flight‑test validation to close the sim‑to‑real gap, collaborating with a

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience developing autonomy software for UAVs or drones.
• Experience with GNSS-denied navigation and docking.
• Strong C++, Python, ROS 2 proficiency and 3D geometry knowledge.

Responsibilities

• GPS-denied navigation and localization for onboard autonomy.
• Autonomous docking and precision landing in challenging environments.
• Perception and motion planning for obstacle avoidance and safe flight.
• Edge deployment on embedded hardware with power/weight constraints.
• Systems verification, SIL/HIL testing, and flight testing.

Skills

Flight autonomy software

MAVLink/flight stacks

VIO/SLAM & sensor fusion

C++ & Python

ROS 2

Education

BS/MS in Robotics/Aerospace/CS/EE

Tools

PX4/ArduPilot

Jetson edge hardware

GTSAM/Ceres

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: AI2530

Job Description

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: AI2530

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

• 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.