Head of Autonomy/Autonomy Architect

Company Description A confidential, venture-backed deep-tech startup is developing advanced autonomous robotic technologies for space and industrial applications. We are assembling a small, highly experienced technical team to develop and deploy next-generation autonomous systems in challenging operating environments. Additional company and program information will be shared with selected candidates during the interview process.Role Description The Head of Autonomy / Autonomy Architect role is to help build the autonomy architecture for next-generation robotic systems operating in environments where conventional approaches to autonomy are insufficient. This is an early technical leadership role with significant ownership of system architecture, technology development, integration, and the growth of the autonomy engineering organization. You will work closely with a small multidisciplinary team spanning AI, robotics, guidance/navigation/control, and systems engineering.Responsibilities will include:Own the architecture for an advanced robotic autonomy stack.Lead development of all levels autonomous capabilities.Integrate internal and partner-developed autonomy technologies into a cohesive system.Guide software architecture for simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and eventual robotic deployment.Establish engineering practices for robust, safety-conscious autonomous systems.Lead technical trades and make key build/buy/partner recommendations.Help recruit and mentor a high-performing autonomy engineering team.Support the transition of autonomy capabilities from simulation to field and flight-relevant environments.QualificationsWe are looking for a hands-on technical leader who has architected autonomy for real physical systems, not solely developed individual AI/ML algorithms.Strong candidates will have experience in several of the following:robotic autonomy architectures;ROS/ROS2 and distributed robotic software;autonomous UAVs, mobile robots, planetary robotics, field robotics, or autonomous vehicles;navigation, localization, mapping, or state estimation;perception and sensor-fusion interfaces;GNC and vehicle-control interfaces;resilient or fault-tolerant autonomy;real-time or embedded software;software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop development;autonomy verification and validation.Experience taking autonomous systems from simulation to operation on physical robotic platforms is highly valued.Preferred BackgroundPrior experience developing advanced autonomous systems at a leading robotics, aerospace, defense, autonomous-vehicle, space-technology, or industrial-automation organization or research laboratory is highly valued.Why JoinThis is an opportunity to join a well-supported deep-tech company at the stage when the fundamental architecture is still being defined.You will have unusual technical ownership and work directly with experienced leaders and engineers across AI, autonomy, robotics, aerospace, and advanced systems.Our work spans space and industrial applications and is focused on solving difficult autonomy problems with meaningful real-world consequences.We are looking for someone who wants to build the next generation of autonomous systems.