Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
The Lead Autonomy Robotics Engineer has the opportunity to work with a highly collaborative team of engineers as they add robust autonomous execution to AeroVironment's diverse portfolio of unmanned aerial vehicles. Robust autonomous execution is crucial to AV's continued success in the UAS marketplace. As a Senior Autonomy & Robotics engineer, one builds the algorithms and tools necessary to achieve this.
Position Responsibilities
Focuses on delivering well architected, functionally complete, and rigorously tested research products.
Contributes to core technology including: Development of robotic autonomy algorithms capable of making robust decisions for planning and control in uncertain, dynamic environments for single or multi-vehicle operations using state-of-the-art techniques from academia and industry
GPS Denied technologies
Target detection, classification, localization, and tracking (DCLT)
Embedded systems architecture
Sensor characterization and integration – EO, Camera, Radar, Acoustic, and/or Lidar
UI/UX design for mobile operator platforms
Modeling and simulation
Software development and testing
Mentors junior employees, as this provides personal fulfillment and growth for the parties involved, as well as providing cultural benefit for the company as a whole
Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of variable factors.
Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel (Team Lead)
Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Bachelor's degree in Degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Minimum of 8 - 12 years' relevant engineering experience
Experienced implementing state-of-the-art (SOTA) algorithms on real hardware. Bonus: implementation on low size, weight, and power (SWAP) devices
Demonstrated ability to get all the pieces of a complex system functioning together towards a common purpose; e.g. strong system design and test background
Solid software engineering skills with focus on modularity, portability, and testability
Experienced with C/C++ required. Modern standards (11, 14, 17+) preferred
Deep familiarity with one or more of the following technology areas (bonus points for UAS applications):
GPS denied systems and requirements
Path planning and trajectory generation
Multi-vehicle coordination
Uncertainty quantification/estimation
Computer vision: scene segmentation, feature extraction, template matching, image descriptors, object detection and localization
Advanced control methodologies: robust adaptive control, optimal control with dynamic programming, model predictive control (MPC)
Experimental design and interpretation of results
Some intrastate travel and other travel within the Continental U.S. may be required (up to 30%)
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
MS or PhD in related field is highly preferred
Experienced with Matlab and/or Python preferred
Proficiency with office software and computer-based productivity tools
Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and leadership skills
Is a team player and collaborates effectively
Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
Physical Demands
Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)
Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
Special…