Lead Software Engineer – Autonomy Execution, SteerAI

SteerAI is an autonomous mobility technology company powered by VentureOne, the commercialization arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council.SteerAI’s advanced AI-powered autonomy stack, developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, empowers the logistics and defense industries by turning industrial vehicles into autonomous powerhouses that can handle complex off-road missions, transforming operations and protecting organizations' most important assets: Their workforce.Role OverviewWe are looking for a Lead Software Engineer to drive the execution of the autonomous driving software stack across Perception, Decision Making, Navigation, and Localization. This role sits at the core of the engineering organization and is responsible for turning system architecture into robust, scalable, and field-ready implementations.The role combines deep technical leadership with strong hands-on contribution, ensuring high-quality delivery of autonomy capabilities from design to deployment.ResponsibilitiesLead the implementation and delivery of core autonomy software modules, including Perception, Decision Making, Navigation, and LocalizationTranslate system architecture and high-level design into robust, maintainable, and production-grade software componentsOwn technical execution across multiple teams, ensuring alignment with architecture, performance, and safety requirementsDrive system-level technical decisions in close collaboration with architecture, systems engineering, and validation teamsEnsure software quality through strong engineering practices, including testing strategies, code quality standards, and CI/CD integrationIdentify technical risks early and drive mitigation strategies across the stackContribute directly to core algorithms and system components when neededSupport integration, testing, and field validation of autonomy systems on real platformsMentor senior and mid-level engineers and elevate overall engineering maturity across the teamFoster strong technical ownership culture and execution discipline within the autonomy organizationTechnical Focus AreasAutonomous driving software architecture and real-time systemsSensor fusion and perception pipelinesPlanning, decision-making, and behavior systemsLocalization and mappingRobotic navigation and motion control interfacesSystem integration and on-vehicle deploymentPerformance optimization and reliability in safety-critical systemsRequirementsStrong background in robotics, autonomous systems, or complex embedded software systemsProven experience delivering production-level autonomy or robotics softwareStrong proficiency in C++ and/or Python in real-time or high-performance systemsExperience with system architecture breakdown and large-scale software designHands-on experience with integration on real hardware or simulation environmentsStrong understanding of software engineering best practices (testing, CI/CD, modular design)Ability to operate both at architectural level and deep implementation levelLeadership mindset with ability to guide technical teams without formal hierarchy dependencyNice to HaveExperience in autonomous vehicles, defense robotics, or industrial autonomyFamiliarity with ROS / ROS2 ecosystemsExperience with safety-critical or ISO 26262 environmentsExperience in fast-paced startup environmentsWhat we offerWe offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the Autonomous Robotics industry. Our work culture is collaborative and inclusive, with a strong focus on innovation and personal growth.If you're passionate about advancing the frontiers of Autonomous Robotics and eager to leave a lasting mark in this domain, seize the opportunity and apply today to join us in sculpting the future of this dynamic field!