Software Engineer - Robotics & Autonomy

Job description:

Software Engineer - Robotics & Autonomy

Clearwater, Fl

ONSITE ONLY

We are seeking a Software Engineer IV to support the development and deployment of autonomous systems for real-world robotic platforms. This role focuses on building and integrating perception, localization, and navigation capabilities for systems operating in dynamic and GPS-denied environments.

This position operates with a high level of independence and is responsible for delivering production-ready autonomy solutions. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including hardware, systems, and program leadership to ensure successful integration and deployment of robotics capabilities in fielded systems.

What You'll Do

• Develop and deploy autonomy pipelines across perception, localization, and navigation for robotic platforms
• Design and implement real-time perception capabilities such as object detection, tracking, and obstacle avoidance
• Build and optimize state estimation and navigation algorithms including visual odometry, VIO, and SLAM
• Integrate software with robotic systems, including flight controllers and autonomy stacks (PX4, ArduPilot)
• Deploy and optimize algorithms on embedded systems (Jetson, GPU-enabled platforms) with focus on performance and reliability
• Fuse data from multiple sensors including cameras, IMUs, GPS, and other onboard systems to improve robustness
• Support system integration, testing, and validation in lab, ground, and field environments
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues during development and deployment, working closely with engineering and production teams

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 5–10+ years of experience in robotics, autonomy, or real-time embedded systems
• Strong programming skills in C++ and/or Python
• Experience deploying software onto real robotic or embedded systems
• Strong understanding of robotics systems including perception, state estimation, and control integration
• Experience with ROS/ROS2 and common robotics frameworks
• Familiarity with computer vision and machine learning tools such as OpenCV, PyTorch, or TensorFlow
• Experience supporting DoD or federal government programs
• Familiarity with MAVLink, PX4, ArduPilot, or similar flight stacks
• Experience with simulation environments (Gazebo, MATLAB, etc.)
• Knowledge of software development lifecycle in regulated environments
• Active or ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with unmanned systems (UAS, ground, or maritime platforms)
• Experience with SLAM, GPS-denied navigation, or contested environments
• Experience with CUDA, TensorRT, or hardware acceleration
• Experience integrating EO/IR or similar sensor systems
• Experience supporting field or flight testing

Additional Requirements

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Willingness to support flight test operations and travel as needed.

Pay and Benefits

• Salary range: $150,000- 217,723
• Medical, dental, and vision employee coverage fully paid by the employer
• Paid vacation: begins to accrue on your first day of employment. Vacation hours accrue per pay period up to these limits:

• First year through third year, three weeks annually.
• Over four years of employment: four weeks annually
• Over eight year of employment: five weeks annually

Six weeks rollover maximum cap

• Automatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages, no matching required
• Educational assistance and professional development opportunities

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 5% Match
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Nokturnal AI is an advanced technology company focused on developing cutting-edge systems in aerospace, AI/ML, and defense-related integration. Our work centers on building high-performance, mission-critical solutions with a strong emphasis on innovation, precision, and operational excellence.