Autonomy Engineer, State Estimation & Control

BRINC • Seattle, WA

7d • $122,000 - $275,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an Autonomy Engineer to join our team and advance the reliability and resiliency of our UAV state estimation & control systems. You will design, implement, and optimize real-time algorithms that enable the drone to localize itself and maintain stability while moving through the world. In this role, you will work with sensor fusion algorithms (EKFs, factor graphs, VIO), and fast real-time control loops. You will collaborate closely with navigation, embedded software, and hardware teams to bring next-generation solutions into production UAV platforms.

Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science or a related field, or a Master's degree with a minimum of 2+ years of industry experience.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and Python, with experience developing software for real physical systems.
• Experience developing state estimation and/or control algorithms for physical unmanned systems.
• Solid understanding of estimation and control fundamentals (EKFs, state feedback control).

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with modern sensor fusion approaches such as factor graphs
• Familiarity with robust or adaptive control
• Experience with ROS2, PX4, MAVSDK, and/or similar robotics middleware
• Familiarity with safety-critical or certifiable software practices a plus
• Background in UAV reliability, redundancy, and autonomous flight considerations.
• Experience with ROS, PX4, MAVSDK, and/or similar robotics middleware.

Responsibilities

• Research and design algorithms enabling UAV state estimation and control.
• Implement and optimize real-time estimation & control algorithms on embedded processors for computational efficiency and system resiliency.
• Validate estimation and control performance through simulation, log replay, hardware-in-the-loop, and real-world flight testing in a variety of conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Contribute to technical strategy, define best practices, and help guide the evolution of the estimation and control stack as systems scale and mature.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for our employees and their families
• 401K plan
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Flexible Time Off (Exempt) / Paid time off (Non-Exempt)
• Flexible work environment
• Orca pass (for those in Puget Sound)
• Free parking (Seattle office)
• Free snacks, drinks and espresso (Seattle office)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level