{"id":704063,"url":"https://alion.io/job/havocai-robotics-engineer-ground-autonomy","title":"Robotics Engineer - Ground Autonomy","company":{"id":678606,"name":"HavocAI Inc.","domain":"havocai.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/havocai","size_band":"201-500","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Ashby","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":75,"open_postings":9,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":1,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":36,"computed_at":"2026-11-05T05:54:30Z"}},"role":"Robotics","role_family":"Robotics","seniority":"middle","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"hybrid","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Palo Alto, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":150000,"max":185000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":185000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":3,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"C++","optional":false},{"name":"Linux","optional":false},{"name":"Motion Planning","optional":false},{"name":"Path Planning","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"ROS2","optional":false},{"name":"AI Agents","optional":true},{"name":"Havoc","optional":true},{"name":"Model Predictive Control","optional":true},{"name":"SLAM","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-02-27T18:42:41Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-02-27","last_verified_at":"2026-11-05T23:00:13Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":251,"trust":{"level":"stale","repost_count":0,"flags":["stale"],"days_open":250},"description":"About Us:\nHavoc is a leader in all-domain collaborative autonomy. Its software-defined hardware approach powers military and commercial-grade autonomous systems across sea, air, and land to sense, decide, and act together in complex and contested environments. Havoc connects assets, enabling them to share information, adapt in real time, and continue operating even when communications are disrupted or denied. Havoc optimizes mission performance and minimizes human risk.\nHavoc was founded in 2024 and headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. Learn more at Havoc: All-Domain Collaborative Autonomy .\nAbout the Role\nAs a Robotics Engineer - Ground Autonomy, you will design, build, and deploy autonomy systems for unmanned ground vehicles operating in complex, unstructured environments.\nThis role spans the full autonomy stack - from control systems and motion planning to perception integration and mission execution. You won’t just write algorithms; you’ll own systems that move real machines across real terrain under real operational constraints.\nIf you are energized by making intelligent systems move safely and confidently through the world, and want your work tested beyond the lab, this role offers immediate and meaningful impact.\nKey Responsibilities\nEnd-to-End Autonomy Ownership\nOwn ground autonomy systems deployed to operational platforms\n\nDeliver reliable, mission-ready autonomy software\n\nControl & Motion Planning\nDesign and implement control algorithms (path following, trajectory generation, vehicle dynamics modeling)\n\nDevelop motion planning strategies for diverse and dynamic terrains\n\nOptimize for stability, precision, and safety\n\nPerception Integration\nDevelop and integrate perception pipelines for obstacle detection, terrain analysis, and environmental understanding\n\nFuse heterogeneous sensors (camera, lidar, radar, IMU) into robust autonomy outputs\n\nAutonomy Architecture\nBuild and extend ROS2-based autonomy stacks\n\nImplement mission planning, behavior trees, and real-time navigation logic\n\nMaintain modular, scalable autonomy architecture\n\nCross-Functional Collaboration\nPartner with embedded, hardware, and mission software teams\n\nDrive autonomy integration from prototype to field deployment\n\nField Testing & Debugging\nDevelop monitoring and performance metrics for deployed systems\n\nDiagnose autonomy failures in real-world environments\n\nSupport live testing, demonstrations, and deployments\n\nCustomer & Operator Engagement\nTranslate operational ground mission needs into autonomy capabilities\n\nBalance field constraints with technical feasibility\n\nQualifications\nBachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (or related field)\n\n3+ years of experience in C++ and/or Python in Linux environments\n\nHands-on experience deploying ROS2-based autonomy systems on real-world ground platforms\n\nExperience designing control systems for autonomous vehicles (path planning, trajectory following, vehicle dynamics)\n\nExperience building perception systems for ground autonomy\n\nStrong systems-thinking and debugging skills\n\nPassion for mission-critical real-world robotics\n\nU.S. Citizenship and eligibility for U.S. security clearance\n\nPreferred Qualifications\nExperience with multi-agent or coordinated ground vehicle systems\n\nSLAM, GPS-denied navigation, or advanced localization techniques\n\nMotion planning algorithms (RRT, MPC, A*, etc.)\n\nExperience with heterogeneous sensor integration\n\nReal-time or safety-critical systems experience\n\nFamiliarity with military ground systems and operational tactics\n\nWhy This Role Matters\nYou will build autonomy systems that operate beyond controlled environments - on terrain that challenges perception, control, and decision-making in real time. Your work will directly impact how autonomous ground platforms perform in operational missions.\nBenefits:\n100% Employer paid Health Insurance\n\nDental and Vision Insurance for you and your families\n\nLife Insurance (Employer Paid)\n\nAbility to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)\n\nUnlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum\n\nEquity Package\n\nWork / Home Office Stipend\n\nGlobal Entry\n\n16 Week Paid Parental Leave\n\nMonthly Health and Wellness Stipend\n\nOur Values:\nInnovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.\n\nIntegrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.\n\nMission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission-protecting lives through innovation.\n\nForward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity.\n\nOwnership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.\n\nServant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.\n\nHavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. 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