Job Information
AeroVironment Sr. Autonomy Robotics Engineer in Lawrence, Kansas
Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
The Sr. 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:
Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) including characterization of plant dynamics
State estimation
Target detection, classification, localization, and tracking (DCLT)
Embedded systems architecture, with emphasis on video processing chains
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 involved parties, 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
Solid software engineering skills with foci on modularity, portability, and testability
Deep familiarity with one or more of the following technology areas (bonus points for UAS applications):
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
Preferred Qualifications & Desired Competencies
MS or PhD in related field
Experienced with Matlab and/or Python
Proficiency with office software and computer-based productivity tools
Experienced with C/C++ required. Modern standards (11, 14, 17+)
Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and leadership skills
Demonstrated ability to get all of the pieces of a complex system functioning together towards a common purpose (e.g. strong system design and test background)
Some intrastate travel and other travel within the Continental U.S. may be required (up to 30%)
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 and R&D 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)
The salary range for this role is:
$139,371 - $197,400
AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.
ITAR Requirement:
T his position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.
Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits .
We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.
Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.
Who We Are
Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.
Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.
What We Do
Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.
ITAR
U.S. Citizenship required
ABOUT US
At AeroVironment, our purpose is to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. Our solutions give our customers a fresh vantage point, positioning them to see the world with new eyes and extending their reach beyond the line of sight. That is the power of our breakthrough unmanned aircraft systems, perfected and refined over a half century.
Whether they are warfighters searching for an enemy, border patrol agents searching for people in need of assistance, or telecom providers linking millions to the digital economy, our customers choose AeroVironment because our systems generate actionable intelligence reliably, creating a path to goals that would otherwise be unattainable.
Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)