Applied Research Associates Inc

Principal Robotics Engineer

Applied Research Associates Inc • $130K — $155K *
San Antonio, TX 78228In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • 12+ years of experience in relevant role (advanced degree can partially satisfy experience requirement).
  • Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ (C++11/14/17 or higher).
  • Demonstrated experience in robotics software development including motion planning, perception, and control systems.
  • Experience with simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, Unity, Unreal Engine).
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for complex systems.
  • U.S. citizenship required, must meet security eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, and optimize real-time C++ code for embedded systems and robotics control.
  • Create and maintain virtual models and simulation environments for testing robotic systems.
  • Develop software frameworks and algorithms for controlling robotic subsystems.
  • Integrate various sensors, motor controllers, and actuators into robotic systems.
  • Analyze simulation and hardware data to enhance performance and troubleshoot issues.

Benefits

  • On-site position in San Antonio, TX.
Full Job Description
ARA is seeking a highly skilled and innovative principal robotics engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in C++ development coupled with experience in robotics. This role involves developing robust C++ software for virtual simulation.

This is an on-site position located in San Antonio, TX.

What you will do as a principal robotics engineer:

  • Design, implement, and optimize high-performance, real-time C++ code for embedded systems, robotics control, and simulation infrastructure.
  • Create, maintain, and optimize virtual models and simulation environments to test, validate, and refine robotic systems and algorithms before physical deployment.
  • Develop software frameworks (e.g., ROS/ROS2) and algorithms for controlling and integrating various robotic subsystems, including sensors, motor controllers, and actuators.
  • Analyze data from both simulations and physical hardware to optimize performance and debug system behavior.


Principal robotics engineer requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • 12+ years of experience. Advanced degree may serve in partial fulfillment of the experience requirement.
    • Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ (C++11/14/17 or higher) for embedded and real-time systems.
    • Demonstrated experience in robotics software development, including motion planning, perception, and control systems.
    • Experience developing or working with simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, Unity, Unreal Engine) for robotics applications.
    • Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose issues across complex hardware and software systems.
  • U.S. citizenship required. Candidates selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.


Preferred experience:

  • Familiarity with unmanned Navy systems.
  • Portfolio showcasing hands-on projects involving C++ programming, robotics, and PCB design.


About Applied Research Associates Inc

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned research and engineering company that provides technical solutions to complex problems in various fields, including defense, homeland security, intelligence, transportation, and energy. The company was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM. ARA has over 1,600 employees and operates from more than 20 locations across the United States and Canada. The company's services include research and development, engineering, testing and evaluation, and consulting.
Learn more about Applied Research Associates Inc
Size
1,600 employees
Industry
Aerospace & Defense
Founded
1979
* Ladders Estimates

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