Autonomy Engineer, State Estimation & Control

This role focuses on advancing the reliability and resiliency of UAV state estimation and control systems. You will design, implement, and optimize real-time algorithms for localization and stability, working with sensor fusion (EKFs, factor graphs, VIO) and control loops. Collaboration with navigation, embedded software, and hardware teams is key to bringing next-generation solutions into production UAV platforms.

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.

Requirements

• 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).

Nice to have

• 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.

Benefits

• 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 parking (Seattle office)
• Free snacks, drinks and espresso (Seattle office)