Senior Autonomy Engineer

Senior Autonomy Engineer (AI) - NODA AI

Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid on-site, with up to 20% travel)

Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance

About NODA

NODA is a veteran-owned, venture-backed technology company that is transforming how unmanned systems collaborate in complex, mission-critical environments. We are developing next-generation solutions that enable the autonomous orchestration of heterogeneous unmanned systems across air, sea, land, and space with vital applications in the defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors.

We are building the autonomy layers that allow systems from multiple domains to operate in synchronized, adaptive, and resilient ways. Our autonomy engineers bridge the gap between high-level AI-driven mission intent and real-world execution across UAVs, USVs, and UUVs operating in contested and dynamic environments.

Joining NODA means working on meaningful technology that pushes the boundaries of autonomy alongside a team that thrives on innovation, rapid iteration, and collaboration.

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer to design and implement the autonomy stack that powers adaptive multi-vehicle orchestration. This role focuses on mission planning, path generation, behavior execution, and task allocation across heterogeneous fleets.

You will work at the intersection of AI reasoning frameworks, event-driven autonomy stacks (e.g., Zenoh, MQTT), and distributed multi-agent systems, ensuring mission intent can be reliably executed and adapted in real-world conditions. Success in this role requires strong technical foundations in robotics, practical systems thinking, and a passion for delivering robust autonomy where reliability is non-negotiable.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement autonomy modules including path planning, task allocation, behavior trees, and reactive execution models

• Develop and maintain the autonomy framework that integrates with orchestration (AI-driven mission planning) and world modeling

• Ensure AI-generated plans are executable, explainable, and safe across multi-domain robotic platforms

• Implement and validate navigation, control, and autonomy behaviors for UAVs, USVs, and UUVs using event-driven middleware (Zenoh, MQTT, or similar) and simulation environments

• Profile and optimize autonomy performance for edge compute hardware (Jetson, Raspberry Pi-class devices)

• Conduct simulation-in-loop and hardware-in-loop testing to validate autonomy behaviors before live field deployment

• Contribute to safety, reliability, and compliance practices for autonomy in defense-relevant missions

• Collaborate across AI, networking, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless orchestration of multi-vehicle operations

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years experience developing autonomy or robotics systems

• Proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time autonomy development

• Strong hands-on experience with event-driven/pub-sub middleware (Zenoh, MQTT, DDS, or similar)

• Background in motion planning, navigation, and control systems

• Experience with state estimation, sensor fusion, and autonomy validation

• Familiarity with behavior trees, task allocation, or symbolic planners

• Knowledge of simulation environments (Gazebo, Isaac Sim, AirSim, or equivalent)

• Due to the nature of the position, U.S. citizenship is required due to ITAR regulations, along with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Rust for systems-level/real-time autonomy development

• Experience with multi-agent coordination and swarm robotics

• Exposure to autonomous vehicle domains (UAVs, UUVs, USVs)

• Familiarity with MAVLink, JAUS, or STANAG 4586 protocols

• Background in AI planning, reinforcement learning, or constraint solvers

• Experience optimizing autonomy for embedded/real-time performance

• Prior exposure to defense or aerospace autonomy systems

• Contributions to open-source robotics or autonomy projects

Skills & Attributes

• Systems thinker: able to connect autonomy layers with AI reasoning and orchestration.

• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in both simulation and field environments.

• Cross-disciplinary collaborator, comfortable working with AI, networking, and data engineering teams.

• Thrives in ambiguous, mission-driven problem spaces.

• Detail-oriented and safety-focused, with commitment to reliable autonomy in critical missions.

Benefits & Perks

Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We offer premium medical, dental, and vision coverage with zero paycheck premiums for you and your family

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals + Company match

• Equity grants for new hires

• Unlimited PTO

• 11 Paid holidays

• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.

• Generous Parental Leave

• Military Leave for annual training or service requirements

• FSA

• DCFSA

• HSA

• Professional Development Opportunities

• Access to One Medical

• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.

Growth Path at NODA

• Senior Autonomy Engineer - lead development of autonomy modules and mentor engineers.

• Staff/Principal Engineer - drive cross-domain autonomy integration, standards, and frameworks.

• Autonomy Lead - own the autonomy stack and guide integration with AI-driven orchestration at scale.

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Statement

NODA AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace and to maintaining equitable employment and hiring practices. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

As a federal contractor, NODA AI complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements, including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruiting, hiring, and employment process.

Consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with applicable fair chance and ban-the-box laws, including the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance where applicable. We actively encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities, to apply.

NODA AI is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and accessible work environment for all applicants and employees. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] or contact your recruiter so we can provide the support you need.