Senior Autonomy Software Engineer

About the Role

We're looking for a Senior Autonomy Software Engineer to own and architect the full autonomy and perception stack for an autonomous underwater vehicle (UUV) platform — built from scratch on embedded GPU hardware. You'll be a core member of a small, fast-moving team building attritable UUVs designed to operate independently in radio-denied environments, making all navigation, detection, and targeting decisions on-board.

What You'll Do

• Design and implement the complete autonomy stack from the ground up — covering mission planning, path planning, object detection/recognition, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous decision-making for underwater operations.
• Develop both ML-based and classical perception pipelines optimized for power-constrained embedded compute (Nvidia Jetson Orin AGX).
• Drive the vehicle from prototype to executing multi-day autonomous missions within your first 90 days.
• Support field testing — deploying scale models in dive pools, running ocean sea trials, and performing live telemetry debugging from shore.
• Own your systems end-to-end as a Responsible Engineer: from requirements and architecture through simulation, field validation, and production deployment.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience shipping autonomy or perception software on physical autonomous vehicles, UAVs, or robotic platforms.
• Hands-on experience building an autonomy system from scratch (0-to-1), not inheriting a mature codebase.
• Strong ML/deep learning skills for perception — object detection, tracking, and classification.
• Proficiency in CUDA programming for GPU-accelerated perception and ML on embedded platforms (e.g., Nvidia Jetson).
• Experience with path planning, sensor fusion, state estimation, or classical computer vision.
• Solid command of C++, Python, ROS, PyTorch or TensorFlow, OpenCV, Linux, Git, and Docker.
• Background in simulation workflows (SIL/HIL) and containerized deployment.
• BS or higher in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field; strong academic fundamentals are a plus.
• Prior experience at a fast-paced autonomy or defense-tech startup is a strong plus.
• Comfortable working in the defense sector on weapons systems.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident eligible for a security clearance.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $160,000 – $230,000 USD annually. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Location

On-site, full-time in Los Angeles, CA, USA. Remote work is not available for this position.