Mission Software Engineer - Large Vessels - Palo Alto

HavocAI • Palo Alto, CA

2d

About The Position

As a Mission Software Engineer, you will bring autonomy to life on large-scale maritime platforms — integrating, deploying, and owning mission-critical software directly alongside customers and operators.
This is not a purely lab-based role. You will work at the intersection of autonomy systems, maritime standards, vessel hardware, and real-world operations. From shipboard deployments to autonomy stack integration, you will ensure Havoc’s systems operate reliably in demanding, complex maritime environments.
If you thrive in dynamic environments, understand the realities of shipboard systems, and want your code tested and proven at sea, this role offers immediate and meaningful impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of experience developing software in C++, Python, or Rust within Linux environments
• Hands-on experience with ROS2 in real-world robotics or autonomy systems
• Working knowledge of maritime communication protocols (NMEA, CAN)
• Familiarity with UMAA (Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture)
• Working knowledge of COLREGS International Navigation Rules
• Experience working with or aboard large maritime vessels
• Ability to navigate complex codebases and distributed systems
• Passion for mission-critical, real-world software
• U.S. Citizenship and eligibility for U.S. security clearance

Nice To Haves

• Experience integrating autonomy software with vessel navigation, propulsion, or sensor systems
• Familiarity with NMEA 2000, J1939, or related frameworks
• Experience with multi-agent maritime autonomous systems
• Knowledge of distributed shipboard communication architectures
• Familiarity with military maritime systems and operational tactics
• Korean or Taiwanese language fluency
• Experience in safety-critical or real-time embedded systems

Responsibilities

• Own software solutions deployed to large vessel customers
• Deliver high-reliability systems aligned to mission objectives
• Integrate and deploy autonomy software onto large maritime platforms
• Collaborate with platform engineering to scale capabilities fleet-wide
• Adapt autonomy systems to vessel-specific constraints and interfaces
• Develop and maintain interfaces using maritime protocols (NMEA, CAN, MQTT, UMAA)
• Ensure standards-compliant data exchange across vessel subsystems and external command networks
• Partner with autonomy, hardware, and mission engineering teams
• Plan, build, and test complex shipboard integrations
• Support field deployments and operational testing
• Design and implement monitoring, logging, and debugging frameworks
• Develop performance metrics to ensure reliable autonomy operation at sea
• Diagnose and resolve issues in live vessel deployments
• Coordinate resolution across internal engineering and customer teams
• Translate real-world vessel operational needs into software features
• Balance user experience with technical realities of shipboard environments
• Support shipboard and at-sea deployments as mission requirements dictate

Benefits

• 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families
• Life Insurance (Employer Paid)
• Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)
• Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum
• Equity Package
• Work / Home Office Stipend
• Global Entry
• 16 Week Paid Parental Leave
• Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend

What This Job Offers

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