Autonomy Engineer, Principal
Boston, MA

Job Description

We are currently seeking a Principal Autonomy Engineer to join our team.

The Autonomy Engineer will have the opportunity to develop new technologies and implement those across a variety of autonomous robotic systems for defense and commercial applications. This position will require the Autonomy engineer to lead and work alongside focused design teams requiring a wide breadth of skills and experience across traditional engineering, computer science, and mathematical disciplines including optimization, planning, and control under uncertainty. Because of the nature of the development efforts, the Autonomy Engineer should have experience leading efforts throughout the full systems development life cycle, especially the concept design/initiation, requirements definition, detailed design, integration and validation and verification testing. Documentation and transition of technology to other organizations/products of the company is expected.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

* Develop robotic autonomy algorithms capable of making robust decisions for planning and control in uncertain, dynamic environments for single and multi-vehicle operations using state-of-the-art techniques from academia and industry.
* Write and test software to support integration of autonomy algorithms into aircraft (such as autopilots, payloads, or other functional components) or other robotic systems.
* Design and prototype autonomous systems and validate designs through a series of purpose-designed experiments.
* Perform design and analysis tasks using AeroVironment and industry developed tools.
* Writes system requirements, system test plans, and assist in validation testing.
* Trouble-shoot complex systems from a multidisciplinary (hardware, logic and software) perspective.
* Support flight test operations, periodic travel will likely be required in support of testing equipment at approved flying locations.
* Perform a variety of engineering lead activities on R&D projects. Examples include: Requirements definition, architectural layout of approach(s), review of data/software,/algorithms, and organization of V&V testing)
* Document work and assist with the transition of new capabilities, technologies and prototypes into a production development environment.
* Conduct/support design reviews

Required Qualifications & Background

* Master's degree with 12 years' experience, or PhD with 8 year's experience, in Mathematics, Optimization, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering with research or industrial experience in the development of autonomous robotic systems.
* Must have a clean DMV record.
* Proficient with C/C++ and Matlab required.
* Experience in one or more areas: autonomous control, optimization under uncertainty, route planning, trajectory optimization, autonomous decision making, collaborative autonomy, cognitive information processing, probability theory, obstacle avoidance, bio-inspired autonomy, perceptual autonomy, autonomous mission planning, or related fields.
* Demonstrated ability to trouble-shoot complex systems.
* Excellent verbal and written skills. Technical leadership experience in a professional setting.
* Must be a team player and collaborate effectively.
* Familiarity with office software and computer based productivity tools.
* Must be willing to work on government contracts and ability to obtain a security clearance.
* Able to excel in a fast paced, deadline-driven environment.
* Has respect for profit and strives to meet project schedule and budget.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Familiarity with Python or ROS (Robot Operating System) a plus.
* Experience Managing Research Program Flight Tests and demonstrations.
* Successful government research proposal experience.
* Hands on design/build experience is desired; UAV or R/C aircraft or other lightweight miniature robotic systems.
* Experience with AirSim is desired.