Lead Autonomy Robotics Engineer

Worker Type Regular Job  Description Summary The  Lead Autonomy Robotics Engineer has the opportunity to work with a highly collaborative team of engineers as they add robust autonomous execution to Aero Vironment's diverse portfolio of unmanned aerial vehicles. Robust autonomous execution is crucial to AV's continued success in the UAS marketplace. As a Senior Autonomy & Robotics engineer, one builds the algorithms and tools necessary to achieve this.

Position Responsibilities Focuses on delivering well architected, functionally complete, and rigorously tested research products.

Contributes to core technology including:

Development of robotic autonomy algorithms capable of making robust decisions for planning and control in uncertain, dynamic environments for single or multi-vehicle operations using state-of-the-art techniques from academia and industry GPS Denied technologies

Target detection, classification, localization, and tracking (DCLT)
Embedded systems architecture

Sensor characterization and integration – EO, Camera, Radar, Acoustic, and/or LidarUI/UX design for mobile operator platforms

Modeling and simulation

Software development and testing

Mentors junior employees, as this provides personal fulfillment and growth for the parties involved, as well as providing cultural benefit for the company as a whole

Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of variable factors.

Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel (Team Lead)
Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Bachelor's degree in Degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Minimum of 8 - 12 years' relevant engineering experience

Experienced implementing state-of-the-art (SOTA) algorithms on real hardware. Bonus: implementation on low size, weight, and power (SWAP) devices

Demonstrated ability to get all the pieces of a complex system functioning together towards a common purpose; e.g. strong system design and test background

Solid software engineering skills with focus on modularity, portability, and testability

Experienced with C/C++ required. Modern standards (11, 14, 17+) preferred

Deep familiarity with one or more of the following technology areas (bonus points for UAS applications):

GPS denied systems and requirements

Path planning and trajectory generation

Multi-vehicle coordination

Uncertainty quantification/estimation

Computer vision: scene segmentation, feature extraction, template matching, image descriptors, object detection and localization

Advanced control methodologies: robust adaptive control, optimal control with dynamic programming, model predictive control (MPC)
Experimental design and interpretation of results

Some intrastate travel and other travel within the Continental U.S. may be required (up to 30%)Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies MS or PhD in related field is highly preferred

Experienced with Matlab and/or Python preferred

Proficiency with office software and computer-based productivity tools

Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills

Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and leadership skills

Is a team player and collaborates effectively

Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties

Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives

Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products

Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

Physical Demands…