Senior Robotics Software Engineer, Navigation/Localization
About this role
Engineers who thrive in fast-paced environments with a focus on field testing and rapid iteration will find a natural home on this team. The Maneuver Dominance group at Anduril Industries builds operationally relevant, multi-asset autonomy systems, focusing particularly on larger, unmanned aerial vehicles. Specialists in this position will focus on developing, integrating, and testing navigation solutions that allow platforms such as Omen and Thunder to operate effectively in GNSS-contested environments. This role exists to solve complex autonomy and perception challenges across a portfolio of defense technology products, bridging the gap between theoretical algorithm design and practical deployment. Successful candidates bring a strong background in robotics or aerial systems and enjoy working across the full stack from sensor selection to fly-fix-fly iteration.
What you will do
- Implement robust sensor fusion techniques to combine data from GNSS, IMU, LIDAR, radar, and cameras for improved navigation accuracy.
- Rapidly test, analyze performance, and iterate on algorithm and flight control designs directly in the field.
- Develop comprehensive simulation and testing environments to evaluate localization performance under various environmental conditions.
- Design fault-tolerant algorithms optimized for on-board compute constraints and robust operation in GNSS-contested areas.
- Analyze mission requirements across the product portfolio to determine optimal navigation and positioning system architecture.
- Architect and improve calibration procedures for sensor suites utilized in navigation systems.
- Collaborate directly with autonomy, flight controls, and hardware teams to integrate navigation solutions into full vehicle systems.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers within the team.
What you need
- Demonstrated experience in developing, maintaining, or testing navigation and localization algorithms for autonomous vehicles, robotics, or drones.
- Familiarity with Kalman filtering and other related estimation techniques.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities to break down large, complex technical challenges.
- Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and technical mentorship.
- Eligibility to obtain and hold a U.S. Secret security clearance.
- Willingness to travel up to 25% for field testing and iteration.
Nice to have
- MS or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Applied Math, Physics, or a related field
- Experience with Python, Rust, and Nix software development
- Experience with sensor calibration, state estimation, and SLAM techniques
- Knowledge of inertial navigation, GPS, and vision-based navigation aiding sources
- Experience with CUDA and the NVIDIA ecosystem
Benefits
- Competitive base salary range of $220,000 to $292,000 USD
- Highly competitive equity grants included in the majority of full-time offers
- Top-tier, comprehensive benefits package provided at little to no cost to employees
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the salary range for this role?
The estimated salary range for this position is $220,000 to $292,000 USD in base salary. Actual offers may vary based on work experience, education, critical skills, and business considerations.
Where is the job located?
This position is located in Costa Mesa, California. The role requires working with a team based out of this location and involves up to 25% travel for field testing.
What security clearance is required?
Candidates must be eligible to obtain and hold a U.S. Secret security clearance. This requirement is necessary due to the nature of the defense technology work.
What compensation is included beyond base salary?
Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers as part of the total compensation package. Additionally, employees receive a comprehensive benefits package covering health and recovery.
The application is on the official Anduril Industries careers page.
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