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 strategies
- Design and develop real‑time control systems for autonomous robots and vehicles
- Architect motion planning, path planning, and trajectory optimization algorithms
- Develop sensor fusion algorithms for localization, mapping, and situational awareness
- Integrate multi‑modal perception systems (cameras, LiDAR, radar) with control and decision‑making subsystems
- Optimize 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 applications
- Implement perception pipelines for autonomous navigation and task execution
- Evaluate and integrate emerging computer vision and machine learning models
- Ensure perception systems meet reliability and latency requirements for mission‑critical operations
Software Development & Integration
- Develop production‑grade software in C++, Python, and other applicable languages
- Design and optimize real‑time software on Linux‑based systems and embedded platforms
- Design real‑time software interfaces with embedded systems, sensors, and actuators
- Implement distributed systems architecture for complex robotic platforms
- Lead 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 control
- Develop firmware and software interfaces for motor controllers, power distribution, and sensor electronics
- Support electrical testing and troubleshooting of robotic hardware systems
- Evaluate and specify electrical components (sensors, actuators, embedded controllers) based on software requirements
- Ensure software architecture supports electrical system constraints and performance requirements
Technical Leadership & Quality
- Provide senior‑level technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams
- Establish and enforce coding standards, testing methodologies, and quality metrics
- Lead requirements derivation, tracking, and compliance assessment
- Develop comprehensive technical documentation, system diagrams, and architecture models
- Troubleshoot complex system‑level issues and drive durable solutions
- Lead investigations into failures and performance anomalies
Requirements
- 7+ years software engineering in robotics, autonomous systems, or real‑time control
- Expert C++ proficiency; Python and other relevant languages
- Strong robotics algorithms background (motion planning, control theory)
- ROS/ROS2 or equivalent real‑time framework experience
- Embedded systems and real‑time software development
- Matlab/Simulink and requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama)
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- Ability to obtain Department of Defense Secret clearance
- U.S. person status (export control requirement)
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Computer Science or Robotics
- Autonomous vehicle or UAV systems experience, basic electrical skills
- Machine learning and advanced computer vision for robotics
- Government or military robotics program background
- ITAR/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 paid
- 3 weeks vacation
- Automatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages (no matching required)
- Educational assistance
- Relocation reimbursement
- In‑office (Los Angeles) or remote work (United States) available (position dependent)