Test Engineer - Autonomous Marine Controls

Gokenamericallc; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Goken seeks an engineering test specialist to support autonomy stack bring-up and field testing aboard vessels. You will deploy containerized software, run SITL and on-water tests, and ensure robust data collection and analysis for post-test evaluation.

Responsibilities include logging, telemetry visualization with RViz, and real-time troubleshooting during field campaigns. You will collaborate with the marine test team and development group, traveling to client sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science and 1 year of relevant internship experience.
• Hands-on ROS 2 experience (nodes, topics, launch files, bags); able to debug a live stack
• Strong Linux command-line proficiency and software debugging
• Docker - build, run, and troubleshoot containers
• Able to independently bring up, build, deploy, run, and test software on hardware in the field - with remote support, but not constant supervision
• Basic data analysis and visualization (e.g., Python and plotting tools; RViz)
• Clear technical writing and reporting
• Comfortable working on the water and dockside; able to meet basic fitness-for-water requirements (swim, lift to ~50 lbs, extended time on the water)
• Demonstrated self-driven building - a personal robotics project, an open-source contribution, a competition/club robot, or similar evidence of building on your own initiative
• Marine / boating familiarity; comfort on small craft

Responsibilities

• Bring up the autonomy software stack on the vessel: build, deploy, and configure the onboard software (containerized deployment via Docker)
• Plan and execute structured field tests of autonomy behaviors - navigation, perception, control, and sensor integration - across both simulation (SITL) and on-water
• Operate the system on the water: pre-mission checkouts, launch and recovery support, live runs, and routine data-collection campaigns
• Own data logging, telemetry monitoring, visualization, and replay (rosbag, RViz); ensure data integrity for post-test analysis
• Diagnose and troubleshoot autonomy, networking, and onboard software issues in real time during test events
• Perform first-line data reduction and analysis; produce test reports, debriefs, and demonstrations
• Contribute to issue triage and root-cause analysis after field anomalies, and feed findings back to the development team
• Build and improve the tooling, test automation, and data pipelines that make field testing faster and more repeatable
• Develop a working understanding of the vehicle's hardware and software as an integrated system
• Coordinate on-water with the marine test team and remotely with the development team
• Travel to client/ test sites required.

Skills

ROS 2

Linux

Python

Data visualization

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

RViz

Job description

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio (USA) with Engineering Centers in Pune, India and Yokohama, Japan, Goken is a global Engineering Services and Product Development company founded in 2004. We partner with OEMs and suppliers across the mobility space, as well as clients in non-mobility industries, to deliver innovative solutions and accelerate product development.

At Goken, we embrace our motto of "Time to Innovate" by pushing boundaries, cultivating entrepreneurial thinking, and empowering individuals who thrive on tackling challenges, embrace fresh ideas, and are driven to create solutions that shape the future. This mindset fuels our mission and empowers our teams to solve complex problems, deliver measurable value, and move our clients and industries forward.

Our Vision is to empower associates to drive innovation and lead meaningful change wherever it’s needed, ensuring we stay ahead of the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Our Mission is to build trust that fosters greatness in our people, excellence in our clients, and positive impact in the communities we serve.

Goken offers a competitive compensation structure and benefits that support professional growth and personal well-being. We also foster a culture built on high performance, collaboration, continuous improvement, and ongoing professional development.

Summary:

This role will support engineering test and development activities.

Responsibilities:

• Bring up the autonomy software stack on the vessel: build, deploy, and configure the onboard software (containerized deployment via Docker)
• Plan and execute structured field tests of autonomy behaviors - navigation, perception, control, and sensor integration - across both simulation (SITL) and on-water
• Operate the system on the water: pre-mission checkouts, launch and recovery support, live runs, and routine data-collection campaigns
• Own data logging, telemetry monitoring, visualization, and replay (rosbag, RViz); ensure data integrity for post-test analysis
• Diagnose and troubleshoot autonomy, networking, and onboard software issues in real time during test events
• Perform first-line data reduction and analysis; produce test reports, debriefs, and demonstrations
• Contribute to issue triage and root-cause analysis after field anomalies, and feed findings back to the development team
• Build and improve the tooling, test automation, and data pipelines that make field testing faster and more repeatable
• Develop a working understanding of the vehicle's hardware and software as an integrated system
• Coordinate on-water with the marine test team and remotely with the development team
• Travel to client/ test sites required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science and 1 year of relevant internship experience.
• Hands-on ROS 2 experience (nodes, topics, launch files, bags); able to debug a live stack
• Strong Linux command-line proficiency and software debugging
• Docker - build, run, and troubleshoot containers
• Able to independently bring up, build, deploy, run, and test software on hardware in the field - with remote support, but not constant supervision
• Basic data analysis and visualization (e.g., Python and plotting tools; RViz)
• Clear technical writing and reporting
• Comfortable working on the water and dockside; able to meet basic fitness-for-water requirements (swim, lift to ~50 lbs, extended time on the water)
• Demonstrated self-driven building - a personal robotics project, an open-source contribution, a competition/club robot, or similar evidence of building on your own initiative
• Marine / boating familiarity; comfort on small craft

Goken is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and engaging workplace across all global locations. We value diversity and provide equal opportunities for career growth and professional development, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.