Robotics Engineer

Position Overview

We’re partnering with one of the most exciting venture-backed robotics startups in the defense-tech space. This team builds real-time autonomous systems deployed in live field environments by operators. As a Robotics Engineer (Forward Deployed), you’ll join a small, high-impact engineering team focused on developing end-to-end UAV and aerial robotics software for defense-focused applications. This role is remote (US) and requires US Citizenship or Green Card (ITAR compliant).

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop end-to-end UAV and aerial robotics software for defense-focused use cases.
• Build and iterate on autonomous systems using C++, Python, and ROS.
• Prototype UAV capabilities, run flight tests, gather operator feedback, and refine rapidly.
• Integrate navigation, mapping, computer vision, and sensor systems into a unified platform.
• Collaborate directly with operators and external stakeholders to understand system behavior in the field.
• Debug, troubleshoot, and optimize systems for reliability in real-world environments.
• Work closely with autonomy, hardware, and product teams from lab to deployment.

Required Qualifications

• Hands-on experience developing software for drones or UAVs.
• Strong proficiency in C++ with robust robotics software fundamentals.
• Experience working with navigation, mapping, or computer vision systems.
• Familiarity with ROS and real-time sensor data pipelines.
• Comfort working without rigid requirements and iterating through trial and error.
• A systems-level mindset capable of connecting multiple parts of the robotics stack into a working solution.
• Strong communication skills with confidence in working directly with customers and operators.
• US Citizenship or Green Card required (ITAR compliant).

Preferred Qualifications

• PX4 or Ardupilot flight controller experience.
• Startup or founding team experience with exceptional scope.
• Involvement in university robotics or drone competition teams.
• Experience with SLAM, path planning, or perception integration.
• Hands-on hardware or prototyping exposure.

Benefits & Perks

• Full benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and flexibility.
• Work on cutting-edge UAV autonomy with real-world deployment.
• Join a fast-moving, VC-backed startup with significant ownership and impact.
• See your software used directly by operators in critical environments.