Senior Autonomy Software Engineer (Maritime)
Job Summary
We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Software Engineer to own the full autonomy and perception stack for our autonomous underwater vehicle platform. This greenfield role involves architecting and deploying production autonomy software on embedded hardware for operations in radio-denied environments, where the vehicle must independently handle navigation, detection, and targeting decisions.
You will join a small, high-impact team focused on taking prototypes to real-world 3-day autonomous missions. This is an ideal opportunity for an engineer who has built and shipped autonomy systems from the ground up on physical platforms and thrives in fast-paced, early-stage settings.
Essential Functions
- Design and implement the complete autonomy stack including mission planning, path planning, object detection and recognition, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous decision-making for underwater missions
- Develop ML-based and classical perception pipelines optimized for power-constrained embedded hardware
- Take autonomous underwater vehicles from prototype stage to executing multi-day missions in the field
- Support field testing including scale model testing in dive pools, ocean sea trials, and real-time telemetry debugging
- Own systems end-to-end as the Responsible Engineer, covering requirements definition, architecture, simulation, validation, and production deployment
Required Qualifications
- 5-15 years of experience in autonomy, perception, or robotics software engineering using C++ and Python
- Proven track record shipping autonomy or perception software on physical autonomous vehicles, UAVs, or robots
- Experience building an autonomy system from scratch in a 0-to-1 environment rather than maintaining an existing codebase
- Background at a fast-paced technology startup with a focus on autonomy or robotics
- Strong hands-on experience with field testing, data debugging, and real-world hardware deployment
- BS or higher in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with underwater vehicle constraints or similar challenging operational environments
- Graduate degree from a top-tier engineering program
- Prior contributions at recognized autonomy-focused organizations
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in small, high-urgency teams
Technical Skills
- C++ and Python
- ROS
- PyTorch or TensorFlow
- OpenCV and computer vision techniques
- CUDA programming
- Embedded platforms such as Nvidia Jetson
- Sensor fusion and state estimation
- Path planning and localization algorithms
- Machine learning for perception tasks
- Linux, Git, Docker, and simulation environments (SIL/HIL)
Education & Certifications
BS or higher degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field is required. Advanced degrees from top engineering programs are preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range is $160,000 to $230,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications. This is a full-time, on-site position based in the Los Angeles area.