Research Development Engineer in Santa Monica

Job Description

About the Role

We are looking for a hands‑on R&D Engineer who thrives at the intersection of software, hardware, and robotics. This role goes beyond writing code; you will design and integrate embedded systems, configure cameras and sensors, build custom hardware setups, and develop intelligent robotic and drone platforms. If you love working with your hands as much as you love writing clean algorithms, this role is for you.

• Research, prototype, and implement algorithms in Python and C++
• Write clean, type‑annotated, well‑documented Python 3.10+ code following modern best practices
• Develop and maintain software for robotic and drone systems using ROS/ROS2
• Work with MAVLink protocol and Pixhawk flight controllers for autonomous vehicle integration
• Implement serialization/deserialization pipelines and inter‑process communication (IPC)
• Contribute to multiprocessing, profiling, and performance optimization efforts

• Design, wire, and debug embedded systems for robotics and drone payloads
• Work with cameras and imaging hardware including power delivery, voltage regulation, and cable management
• Use lab instruments (multimeters, oscilloscopes, bench power supplies) for hardware validation and troubleshooting
• Interface with USB, serial, and other communication buses for sensor and peripheral integration

• Create CAD models and produce 3D‑printed components for custom enclosures and mounts
• Apply sound mechanical judgment to hardware design: tolerances, material selection, and assembly
• Assemble and configure compute hardware, including GPU workstations and embedded computing platforms

• Configure IP networks, manage static/dynamic addressing, and troubleshoot connectivity
• Work with RTSP video streams and IP camera feeds in live systems
• Read and process KLV metadata embedded in video streams
• Integrate and manage data flows across networked robotic and drone systems

• Develop software and system integrations for ground robots and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Integrate Pixhawk/MAVLink‑based autopilot systems with onboard computers and payloads
• Assist in flight testing, calibration, and field operations for drone platforms

• Ability to obtain U.S. Secret Clearance.
• MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• Strong programming skills in C++ and Python with production‑quality code standards
• Hands‑on experience with embedded systems and low‑level hardware integration
• Electrical engineering fundamentals: reading schematics, voltage/current management, connector selection, use of test equipment
• Proficiency in Linux (Bash scripting, system configuration, networking tools)
• Experience with ROS or ROS2 for robot software development
• Experience with MAVLink and Pixhawk‑based autopilot systems
• CAD and 3D printing experience for mechanical prototyping
• Ability to build and configure computers, including selection and installation of GPUs and peripherals
• Working knowledge of IP networking: subnets, routing, SSH, firewalls, and VLANs
• Experience with RTSP video feeds and KLV metadata processing
• Good written and oral communication skills; ability to produce technical documentation and reports

• Hands‑on experience with drones or UAV systems (assembly, tuning, field ops)
• Computer vision experience – camera calibration, image processing pipelines, or stereo vision
• Machine learning / deep learning experience with Tensor Flow or Py Torch
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine for simulation or synthetic data
• Serial communication experience: USB, UART, SPI, I2C device integration
• Experience with GPU‑accelerated computing and CUDA
• Knowledge of Unreal Engine or simulation environments for robotics testing