Staff Autonomy Engineer

COGENT Infotech; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

COGENT Infotech is seeking a senior autonomy software engineer with 9+ years in aerospace robotics to own flight-capability architectures, design C++ GNC modules, and lead safety-critical development in FAA/NASA-style frameworks.

The role emphasizes real-time embedded C++, ROS middleware, and hardware integration with autopilot systems, plus extensive simulation and HIL testing. Collaboration with Systems Engineering and Flight Test is required.

Qualifications

• 9+ years in aerospace autonomy, robotics systems, or GNC software development.
• BS in Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Engineering; MS or specialized autonomy experience preferred.
• Expert-level C++ for real-time embedded software.
• Experience with robotics middleware/frameworks (ROS).
• Familiarity integrating software with autopilot/flight controller hardware (Pixhawk-class).
• Strong background in trajectory generation, mission planning, multi-agent/robotic coordination—drones, small UAS, or planetary exploration platforms.

Responsibilities

• Owns architecture for autonomous flight capabilities—multi-agent coordination, task allocation, real-time scheduling.
• Designs and integrates C++ GNC software modules from algorithm design through embedded deployment.
• Acts as subject-matter expert for state estimation/localization across varied lighting and terrain conditions.
• Partners with Systems Engineering and Flight Test on performance analysis.
• Leads safety-critical autonomy software development within FAA/NASA-style validation frameworks.
• Builds simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test infrastructure.
• Mentors other engineers on autonomy/robotics best practices in an Agile environment.

Skills

C++ real-time

ROS

Autopilot integration

Trajectory generation

Mission planning

Multi-agent coordination

Education

BS in Aerospace/EE/CE

MS or autonomy experience preferred

Tools

Pixhawk-class hardware

ROS middleware

Job description

Experience: 9+ years in aerospace autonomy, robotics systems, or GNC software development

Education: BS in Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Engineering; MS or specialized autonomy experience preferred

Core technical requirements

Expert-level C++ for real-time embedded software

Experience with robotics middleware/frameworks (e.g., ROS)

Familiarity integrating software with autopilot/flight controller hardware (e.g., Pixhawk-class)

Strong background in trajectory generation, mission planning, multi-agent/robotic coordination — drones, small UAS, or planetary exploration platforms

What the role actually does

Owns architecture for autonomous flight capabilities — multi-agent coordination, task allocation, real-time scheduling.

Designs and integrates C++ GNC software modules from algorithm design through embedded deployment.

Acts as subject-matter expert for state estimation/localization across varied lighting and terrain conditions.

Partners with Systems Engineering and Flight Test on performance analysis.

Leads safety-critical autonomy software development within FAA/NASA-style validation frameworks.

Builds simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test infrastructure.

Mentors other engineers on autonomy/robotics best practices in an Agile environment.