Software Engineer IV - Autonomous Robotics

Description Position Overview OKSI is seeking a Software Engineer IV to lead the design and development of advanced autonomous robotics systems for defense and aerospace applications. You'll architect real-time control systems, computer vision, sensor fusion, and mission-critical software while providing technical leadership across engineering teams. What You Will Do Robotics Systems & Architecture Lead architectural design of autonomous robotic systems, defining subsystem interfaces and integration strategiesDesign and develop real-time control systems for autonomous robots and vehiclesArchitect motion planning, path planning, and trajectory optimization algorithmsDevelop sensor fusion algorithms for localization, mapping, and situational awarenessIntegrate multi-modal perception systems (cameras, LiDAR, radar) with control and decision-making subsystemsOptimize algorithms to meet real-time performance, latency, and robustness requirements Computer Vision & Perception Develop and optimize computer vision and object detection/tracking algorithms for robotic applicationsImplement perception pipelines for autonomous navigation and task executionEvaluate and integrate emerging computer vision and machine learning modelsEnsure perception systems meet reliability and latency requirements for mission-critical operations Software Development & Integration Develop production-grade software in C++, Python, and other applicable languagesDesign and optimize real-time software on Linux-based systems and embedded platformsDesign real-time software interfaces with embedded systems, sensors, and actuatorsImplement distributed systems architecture for complex robotic platformsLead system-level integration and end-to-end testing efforts Electrical Integration & Hardware Collaboration Collaborate with electrical engineers on power system design, sensor integration, and actuator controlDevelop firmware and software interfaces for motor controllers, power distribution, and sensor electronicsSupport electrical testing and troubleshooting of robotic hardware systemsEvaluate and specify electrical components (sensors, actuators, embedded controllers) based on software requirementsEnsure software architecture supports electrical system constraints and performance requirements Technical Leadership & Quality Provide senior-level technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teamsEstablish and enforce coding standards, testing methodologies, and quality metricsLead requirements derivation, tracking, and compliance assessmentDevelop comprehensive technical documentation, system diagrams, and architecture modelsTroubleshoot complex system-level issues and drive durable solutionsLead investigations into failures and performance anomalies Requirements 7+ years software engineering in robotics, autonomous systems, or real-time controlExpert C++ proficiency; Python and other relevant languagesStrong robotics algorithms background (motion planning, control theory)ROS/ROS2 or equivalent real-time framework experienceEmbedded systems and real-time software developmentMatlab/Simulink and requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama)Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or related fieldAbility to obtain Department of Defense Secret clearanceU.S. person status (export control requirement) Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Computer Science or RoboticsAutonomous vehicle or UAV systems experience, basic electrical skillsMachine learning and advanced computer vision for roboticsGovernment or military robotics program backgroundITAR/export-controlled environment experience Compensation And Benefits $148,750 - $201,250 annually. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budget allocated for this role.Medical, dental, vision fully paid3 weeks vacationAutomatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages (no matching required)Educational assistanceRelocation reimbursementIn-office (Los Angeles) or remote work (United States) available (position dependent) Additional Requirements You must have, or be eligible to obtain, a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance. You will be subject to government security investigations and must be able to access classified information. The inability to obtain a security clearance will result in you being ineligible for the position. ITAR Requirements To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C.1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here. We are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process. This employer participates in E-Verify.