Robotics Perception Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

We are a leading subsea robotics company dedicated to developing cutting-edge autonomous and remotely operated underwater systems. Our team is composed of engineers and scientists passionate about pushing the limits of subsea technology to enable exploration, inspection, and intervention in some of the most challenging environments on Earth. 

SUMMARY

We are seeking a mid-to-senior level Perception Software Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in C++ and/or Python, with expertise in computer vision, SLAM, and sensor fusion. This role will focus on developing and optimizing perception algorithms, integrating sensor data, and improving autonomy for subsea robotic systems. You will have the opportunity to develop, test and deploy software on new and existing hardware platforms working in real commercial environments at depths of up to 3km. If you thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and enjoy solving complex real-world challenges, we want to hear from you. 

DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

We are seeking a mid-to-senior level Perception Software Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in C++ and/or Python, with expertise in computer vision, SLAM, and sensor fusion. This role will focus on developing and optimizing perception algorithms, integrating sensor data, and improving autonomy for subsea robotic systems. You will have the opportunity to develop, test and deploy software on new and existing hardware platforms working in real commercial environments at depths of up to 3km. If you thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and enjoy solving complex real-world challenges, we want to hear from you. 

• Develop and implement perception software for subsea robotic systems. 

• Design, test, and optimize algorithms for sensor fusion, SLAM, object detection, and classification. 

• Integrate sensor data (IMUs, cameras, sonar, laser, etc.) into robotic perception architectures. 

• Utilize ROS for software development, simulation, and deployment. 

• Develop and optimize deep learning-based perception models for underwater environments. 

• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and software teams to refine system architecture. 

• Implement robust software solutions that adhere to industry safety and reliability standards. 

• Support system testing in lab environments and field deployments. 

• Debug and troubleshoot perception-related hardware-software integration issues. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required 

• 5+ years of experience in software engineering for robotics, computer vision, or embedded systems. 

• Proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time and embedded applications. 

• Experience with ROS and middleware communication (e.g., DDS, ZeroMQ, MQTT). 

• Strong background in computer vision, SLAM, sensor fusion, and AI-based perception. 

• Experience with integrating and processing data from sensors (IMU, sonar, LIDAR, cameras, etc.). 

• Knowledge of Linux-based development and deployment. 

• Experience with simulation environments (Gazebo, Webots, or similar). 

• Familiarity with software development best practices (version control, CI/CD, testing frameworks).

Preferred 

• Experience with underwater robotics or marine autonomy. 

• Familiarity with AI-based perception models and deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch). 

• Experience with GPU programming and parallel computing (CUDA, OpenCL). 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly to remain in a stationary position. The employee will be required to operate a computer and will consistently use other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. The person in this position needs to move about inside the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc. as necessary.  

• The employee must possess the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.  

• The employee must possess the ability to observe details at close range.  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Generally, this job operates in a professional office environment. This role may also require exposure to a variety of offshore platforms, various bodies of water, and small vessels.  

The performance of this position may also occasionally require exposure to the manufacturing areas, which may require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EEOC STATEMENT

Nauticus Robotics is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, immigration status, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

EXPORT CONTROL

Nauticus Robotics is a federal contractor required to adhere to the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 which governs the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  As a result, this position may include access to export-controlled information that is subject to US export control laws. Export control laws require employers to restrict access to export-controlled information or to obtain export licenses for non-U.S. person employees if their positions require access to information governed by ITAR. The ITAR defines a U.S. person means a person (as defined in 120.14 of this part) who is a lawful permanent resident as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) which includes certain temporary residents and refugees and asylees. Nauticus Robotics does not obtain export licenses for these positions.