Staff Engineer, State Estimation (R5783)

Role overview This Staff Engineer position sits on an autonomy team developing state estimation and navigation software for autonomous robotic platforms operating in challenging, real-world environments. The work centers on translating advanced estimation algorithms into high-performance, production-grade code that delivers resilient autonomy when GPS is unavailable or unreliable. It is a senior, hands-on engineering role with a strong C++ focus on embedded Linux targets supporting defense and commercial applications.

Responsibilities - Research and prototype state-of-the-art state estimation and navigation algorithms that keep platforms oriented in GPS-denied or contested environments - Design, implement, and deploy production-grade C++ software for embedded robotic systems running on dynamic, real-world hardware - Build and maintain unit, integration, and system-level tests that uphold safety and reliability standards - Develop modeling, calibration, and simulation tooling for inertial and vision-based navigation stacks - Partner with multidisciplinary autonomy engineers on roadmap planning, feature decomposition, and agile execution - Improve performance analysis, benchmarking, and validation pipelines that drive rapid iteration and continuous improvement

Requirements - M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a closely related field; 2+ years of relevant professional experience with an M.S., or a fresh Ph.D. graduate - Professional proficiency in modern C++ (C++11 or newer) and strong object-oriented design skills - Hands-on experience deploying low-latency C++ applications to embedded Linux platforms - Demonstrated experience implementing state estimation algorithms such as EKF, UKF, Particle Filters, or graph-based optimization - Familiarity with VIO, SLAM, or multi-sensor fusion frameworks such as GTSAM, Ceres, or OpenVINS - Working knowledge of CI pipelines and automated testing frameworks for C++, plus the ability to ship high-reliability code independently

Nice to have - Deep expertise in graph-based optimization for state estimation - Experience with vision-aided inertial navigation systems, including VINS, VIO, or Terrain Relative Navigation - Hands-on work calibrating navigation sensors such as IMUs, GPS, barometers, magnetometers, laser altimeters, or cameras - Background in benchmarking and system validation for real-world navigation performance - Python or MATLAB prototyping experience, though the role demands production-level C++ deployment; candidates whose primary background is in MATLAB or Python may not find the role a good fit

Benefits and work setup - Base pay within the posted range, plus bonus, benefits, and equity eligibility for full-time regular employees - Posted salary band of $200,000–$300,000 per year, influenced by skill set, experience, certifications, and work location - Offers contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check - Equal opportunity and affirmative action employer; reasonable accommodations available on request - Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits