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
Company Description
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.