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Principal Robotics Engineer

Principal Robotics Engineer

Approach VentureAustin, TX, US
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Job Description

Job Description

Principal Robotics Engineer Own the Full Autonomy Stack for Tactical Ground Robotics!

Austin, TX | Onsite

Opportunity Summary

A well-funded startup is developing autonomous robotic systems to counter emerging aerial threats in dynamic and hostile environments. Were building small, smart platforms from the ground up, with real-time perception, embedded decision-making, and field-validated control systems. As one of the first engineers on the team, you'll work directly with the CTO to lead the development of core robotic capabilities, from firmware and sensor integration to real-world testing and tactical deployment. This is a 0-to-1 role for someone who wants to touch every layer of the stack, including firmware, control, perception, and tools to help define the future of machine autonomy in the defense space. Youll have access to a full prototyping lab, work on live hardware, and see your work tested in real-time field conditions.

About Us

We are building cutting-edge robotic defense systems that operate autonomously in chaotic, high-threat environments. Our team combines experience in defense systems, autonomy, and machine learning. Were tackling the toughest challenges in perception, control, and systems integration to deliver hardware that works in any conditions. Our pace is fast, our expectations are high, and our mission is urgent.

Job Duties

  • Design and bring up robotic systems from scratch, including sensor selection, driver development, and embedded integration
  • Write and optimize low-level firmware in Rust or C++ on real-time operating systems to manage motion control, sensors, and communication interfaces
  • Develop robust control loops (PID or model-predictive) and manage distributed motor control networks via CAN bus
  • Integrate and calibrate sensors, including cameras, IMUs, and encoders to support visual-inertial state estimation
  • Fuse perception data (e.g., vision, inertial, audio) using techniques like EKF or UKF for real-time tracking and stabilization
  • Build tools in Python for logging, visualization, calibration, and continuous integration
  • Design and execute fast, iterative testsboth in-bench and in-the-fieldto validate control and perception performance
  • Support full-system debugging across software, electrical, and mechanical subsystems
  • Implement scalable software architecture for real-time systems, ensuring reliability and extensibility under edge conditions
  • Collaborate across disciplineshardware, computer vision, AI / MLto ensure all systems align in performance and delivery

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience building robotic platforms, embedded systems, or high-performance real-time software
  • Deep understanding of PID control, sensor feedback loops, and electromechanical actuation
  • Strong proficiency in C++ (modern standards preferred) and Python
  • Experience developing software for embedded platforms running RTOS, preferably on NVIDIA Jetson or equivalent
  • Hands-on experience with camera and IMU calibration, sensor data fusion, and system-level debugging
  • Familiarity with CAN bus, UART, and other common interfaces for real-time robotic systems
  • Strong problem-solving ability in environments with high complexity and limited resources
  • Comfortable using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other tools for low-level debugging

    • Preferred Experience

  • Rust for embedded systems
  • Experience with ROS2, DDS, or real-time messaging frameworks
  • Model-predictive or adaptive control systems
  • Basic PCB design or awareness of EMI / EMC constraints
  • GPU programming (CUDA) or parallel compute optimization
  • Knowledge of ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) or scientific computing
  • Familiarity with networking protocols or distributed systems
  • DevOps experience (Docker, CI / CD pipelines) in a robotics environment

    • Why Join Us

  • Founding team position with significant ownership and visibility
  • Work directly with the CTO to define product architecture and technical direction
  • Full autonomy across the stack - firmware, control, tools, and perception
  • Hardware-first culture with rapid iteration, testing, and real-world validation
  • Mission-driven company solving urgent problems at the edge of autonomy
  • Early equity
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Relocation assistance if needed
  • Access to a brand-new, fully equipped lab

    • Compensation Details

    150,000 - $220,000 plus equity

    LI-AV

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    Principal Engineer • Austin, TX, US