Autonomy Engineer, State Estimation & Control

BRINC Drones

• $110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; 3+ years of experience.
  • Strong programming skills in C++ and Python for real-time systems development.
  • Experience in navigation or state estimation systems, especially in UAVs, with GNSS and multi-sensor fusion knowledge.
  • Proficiency with diverse GNSS technologies, including RTK and differential corrections.
  • Familiarity with real-time estimation on embedded systems or low-latency platforms.
  • Hands-on UAV or robotics testing experience, particularly in sensor characterization and field validation.

Responsibilities

  • Research, design, and implement state estimation algorithms, including advanced GNSS/INS fusion.
  • Develop robust navigation pipelines incorporating multiple sensors such as GNSS, IMUs, and LiDAR.
  • Construct algorithms for monitoring GNSS integrity, detecting spoofing/jamming, and fallback navigation.
  • Create calibration and synchronization pipelines for reliable multi-sensor UAV systems.
  • Optimize real-time navigation algorithms for embedded processors emphasizing efficiency and fault tolerance.
  • Validate navigation algorithms through simulations and real-world flight tests under varying GPS conditions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate navigation with autonomy, controls, and other systems.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their families.
  • 401K plan to assist with retirement planning.
  • Maternity and paternity leave to support family needs.
  • Flexible Time Off policies for work-life balance.
  • Flexible work environment to accommodate different work styles.
  • Orca pass available for commuting in Puget Sound area.
  • Free parking at the Seattle office for ease of access.
  • Complimentary snacks, drinks, and espresso at the Seattle office.
Full Job Description
About this Role:

We are seeking an Autonomy Engineer to join our team and advance the reliability and resiliency of our UAV state estimation & control systems. You will design, implement, and optimize real-time algorithms that enable the drone to localize itself and maintain stability while moving through the world. In this role, you will work with sensor fusion algorithms (EKFs, factor graphs, VIO), and fast real-time control loops. You will collaborate closely with navigation, embedded software, and hardware teams to bring next-generation solutions into production UAV platforms.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Research and design algorithms enabling UAV state estimation and control.
  • Implement and optimize real-time estimation & control algorithms on embedded processors for computational efficiency and system resiliency.
  • Validate estimation and control performance through simulation, log replay, hardware-in-the-loop, and real-world flight testing in a variety of conditions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration.
  • Contribute to technical strategy, define best practices, and help guide the evolution of the estimation and control stack as systems scale and mature.
Qualifications:
  • PhD in Computer Science or a related field, or a Master's degree with a minimum of 2+ years of industry experience.
  • Strong programming skills in C++ and Python, with experience developing software for real physical systems.
  • Experience developing state estimation and/or control algorithms for physical unmanned systems.
  • Solid understanding of estimation and control fundamentals (EKFs, state feedback control).
Preferred Skills:
  • Familiarity with modern sensor fusion approaches such as factor graphs
  • Familiarity with robust or adaptive control
  • Experience with ROS2, PX4, MAVSDK, and/or similar robotics middleware
  • Familiarity with safety-critical or certifiable software practices a plus
  • Background in UAV reliability, redundancy, and autonomous flight considerations.
  • Experience with ROS, PX4, MAVSDK, and/or similar robotics middleware.

If you're interested in this role and in joining BRINC, we hope you'll apply. We'd love to review your application and get to know more about you!

Benefits and perks listed below may vary based on the nature of your employment with BRINC and/or the country within which you work

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for our employees and their families
  • 401K plan
  • Maternity and paternity leave
  • Flexible Time Off (Exempt) / Paid time off (Non-Exempt)
  • Flexible work environment
  • Orca pass (for those in Puget Sound)
  • Free snacks, drinks and espresso (Seattle office)

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at BRINC Drones

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Autonomy Engineer, State Estimation & Control jobs: