About Neya Systems / ARA
Neya Systems, a division of Applied Research Associates (ARA), is a leader in advanced robotics and autonomy technologies supporting national defense and national security missions. We develop highreliability autonomy software for unmanned ground systems that operate in complex, realworld environments. Our work spans perception, planning, controls, sensor fusion, humanrobot interaction, and system integration.
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of autonomy capabilities across unmanned ground vehicle platforms. This role requires strong technical depth, handson robotics experience, and the ability to work across multiple subsystems including perception, planning, controls, and embedded software. This position is a hybrid role, requiring three days per week onsite at our Warrendale, PA office.
As a senior contributor, you will drive complex technical efforts, mentor engineers, analyze system performance, and help shape nextgeneration autonomy solutions.
What You’ll Do
• Lead the design and implementation of autonomy algorithms, behaviors, and system components
• Integrate autonomy software with robotic platforms and realworld sensor suites
• Drive technical investigations, rootcause analyses, and performance optimizations
• Lead field tests, evaluate autonomy behavior, analyze data, and guide improvements
• Collaborate with perception, planning, controls, and systems engineering teams to ensure cohesive system behavior
• Serve as a key technical point of contact for customers, program managers, and internal stakeholders
• Conduct design reviews, code reviews, and contribute to best practices and technical standards
• Mentor junior and midlevel engineers in autonomy development and robotics integration
• Support customer demos, experiments, and technical events
• Travel 10–25% depending on testing and project needs
Qualifications
• B.S. or M.S. in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of experience developing autonomy or robotics systems (UGVs preferred)
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python for realtime or robotics applications
• Strong understanding of autonomy subsystems: planning, controls, navigation, or sensor fusion
• Handson experience with sensors (LIDAR, cameras, GPS/INS, radar) and hardware integration
• Experience with software design, debugging, and performance analysis across complex systems
• Ability to work independently to solve complex technical problems
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines
Preferred Skills
• ROS2 experience
• Experience with behavior/state machine frameworks
• Knowledge of mapping, perception algorithms, or multisensor fusion
• Embedded or realtime system experience
• Experience in safetycritical or missioncritical robotics environments
• Prior experience mentoring or providing technical leadership
Why Join Neya / ARA?
We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, professional development funding, and the opportunity to contribute to highimpact autonomy and robotics programs supporting national defense missions.