Phd Software Engineer Jobs in Dallas, TX (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate is a Senior-level C++ Embedded/Robotics Software Engineer with strong hands-on experience in autonomous systems, localization, state estimation, inertial navigation, and filtering algorithms. Candidates with experience in Kalman/EKF filtering, SLAM, ROS, GNSS/IMU integration, robotics, and vehicle dynamics will be especially strong.
 

Position Overview:

We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer 3 to develop advanced robotics, positioning, localization, and state-estimation software for autonomous and semi-autonomous systems.

The engineer will work closely with a technical team to research, prototype, develop, validate, and productionize algorithms that enable machines to accurately determine position, altitude, and movement relative to terrain, equipment, and other environmental features.

This role requires strong C++ software development, Python, state estimation, inertial measurement technology, and experience working with localization algorithms.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, debug, and validate production-quality C++ software for robotics and autonomous systems.

• Research and develop localization and positioning algorithms.

• Implement algorithms using perception, inertial, and GNSS inputs.

• Develop solutions for absolute and relative position and altitude estimation.

• Design and implement state-estimation and filtering algorithms.

• Contribute to software architecture, requirements development, technical documentation, coding, testing, and validation.

• Analyze software problems using code, logs, diagnostic tools, and system behavior.

• Evaluate risks and benefits of alternative technical solutions and recommend resolutions.

• Support functional safety software design and validation.

• Translate research papers and technical concepts into reliable production implementations.

• Collaborate with architects, program managers, and other localization/robotics engineers.

• Participate in prototyping, troubleshooting, and deployment of solutions from concept to production.

• Occasionally support activities in laboratories or proving grounds while following required safety procedures and PPE requirements.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in:

  • Robotics Engineering

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Computer Engineering

  • Computer Science

• 5+ years of relevant professional experience.

• Candidates with a Master’s degree may qualify with 2 years of experience.

• Associate degrees are not accepted.

• Relevant internships may count toward experience.

Top 3 Required Skills

1. Excellent C++ software development

2. Advanced software troubleshooting and problem solving

3. Ability to evaluate technical alternatives, risks, and benefits and determine appropriate solutions

Required Technical Skills

Programming & Software Engineering

• C++ – Excellent proficiency

• Python – Fluency

• Strong software engineering practices

• Debugging and profiling

• Structured programming techniques

• Ability to interpret system designs and software specifications

• Strong understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Robotics & Localization

• State Estimation

• Inertial Measurement Technology

• Inertial-based navigation and/or guidance systems

• Robotics and autonomous systems

• Localization and positioning

Problem Solving & Troubleshooting

• Advanced software debugging and troubleshooting

• Code and log analysis

• Diagnostic tools and fact-finding techniques

• Identification, documentation, and resolution of technical problems

• Evaluation of alternative solutions and associated risks

Strong Preference

• 5+ years of Robotics or Autonomous Systems experience

• Experience implementing:

  • Kalman Filters

  • Extended Kalman Filters (EKF)

  • Error-State Kalman Filters

• Deep knowledge of Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) and inertial navigation

• Experience with SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)

• Experience with graph optimization libraries

• Strong understanding of state estimation

• Experience with ROS (Robot Operating System)

• Strong mathematical foundation in:

  • 3D Geometry

  • Linear Algebra

  • Statistical Error Modeling

  • Gauss-Markov Processes

• Experience working with coordinate systems and coordinate transformations

• Understanding of physics-based modeling

• Vehicle modeling and dynamics

• Ability to review research literature and convert algorithms/research papers into production-quality software

Soft Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication

• Effective team collaboration

• Takes ownership from prototype through production

• Adaptable across different stages of software development

• Strong attention to detail

• Self-motivated and willing to research and prototype new ideas

• Systems-thinking mindset

• Resilient and persistent when solving complex technical problems

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based and fully on-site

• Occasional work in engineering labs and proving grounds

• Safety glasses and other required PPE may be necessary

• Collaboration with a technical team led by an Architect and Program Manager