Staff Robotics Software Engineer

Staff Robotics Software Engineer | Autonomy | Defense[Location / Onsite or Hybrid] | $200K - $350K base + equityYou'll own the autonomy software stack for uncrewed systems that have to work in the real world, not just in simulation. GPS-denied, comms-degraded, no second chances.We're a venture-backed defense technology company with systems already in the field. The engineering team is small and senior, and this hire will shape the architecture that the next 50 engineers build on.What you'll work onDesigning and owning core autonomy software: perception, state estimation, planning and controlTaking systems from prototype to fielded hardware, including testing on real platformsSetting technical direction and raising the bar for how the team writes, tests and ships robotics softwareWorking directly with hardware, firmware and ML engineers, and occasionally with end usersWhat we're looking for8+ years building robotics or autonomy software, with systems that have run on real hardwareStrong modern C++ (Python a plus), Linux, and ROS/ROS 2 or equivalent middlewareDeep expertise in at least one of: perception, localization/SLAM, motion planning, or controlsA track record of technical leadership: you've owned architecture decisions and made other engineers betterUS citizenship (required for security clearance eligibility)Nice to haveActive or previous security clearanceExperience with aerial, maritime or ground uncrewed systemsSim-to-real, HIL testing or safety-critical software experienceWhy this roleReal ownership: your decisions will ship, not sit in a slide deckMeaningful equity at an early stageHardware you can actually touch and testThis role is being run exclusively by SR2, specialists in embedded and autonomy engineering recruitment. Conversations are confidential. Apply here or message Angus directly for a quick, no-pressure chat about the role and the company.Message or email me directly angus.loder@sr2rec.com