Senior Autonomy Engineer

About Neya Systems / ARA

Neya Systems, a division of Applied Research Associates (ARA), is a leader in advanced robotics and autonomy technologies supporting national defense and national security missions. We develop high-reliability autonomy software for unmanned ground systems that operate in complex, real-world environments. Our work spans perception, planning, controls, sensor fusion, human-robot interaction, and system integration.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of autonomy capabilities across unmanned ground vehicle platforms. This role requires strong technical depth, hands-on robotics experience, and the ability to work across multiple subsystems including perception, planning, controls, and embedded software. This position is a hybrid role, requiring three days per week onsite at our Warrendale, PA office.

As a senior contributor, you will drive complex technical efforts, mentor engineers, analyze system performance, and help shape next-generation autonomy solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design and implementation of autonomy algorithms, behaviors, and system components
• Integrate autonomy software with robotic platforms and real-world sensor suites
• Drive technical investigations, root-cause analyses, and performance optimizations
• Lead field tests, evaluate autonomy behavior, analyze data, and guide improvements
• Collaborate with perception, planning, controls, and systems engineering teams to ensure cohesive system behavior
• Serve as a key technical point of contact for customers, program managers, and internal stakeholders
• Conduct design reviews, code reviews, and contribute to best practices and technical standards
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers in autonomy development and robotics integration
• Support customer demos, experiments, and technical events
• Travel 10-25% depending on testing and project needs

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of experience developing autonomy or robotics systems (UGVs preferred)
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python for real-time or robotics applications
• Strong understanding of autonomy subsystems: planning, controls, navigation, or sensor fusion
• Hands-on experience with sensors (LIDAR, cameras, GPS/INS, radar) and hardware integration
• Experience with software design, debugging, and performance analysis across complex systems
• Ability to work independently to solve complex technical problems
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines

Preferred Skills

• ROS2 experience
• Experience with behavior/state machine frameworks
• Knowledge of mapping, perception algorithms, or multi-sensor fusion
• Embedded or real-time system experience
• Experience in safety-critical or mission-critical robotics environments
• Prior experience mentoring or providing technical leadership

Why Join Neya / ARA?

We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, professional development funding, and the opportunity to contribute to high-impact autonomy and robotics programs supporting national defense missions.