Robotics Navigation Engineer

Janicki Industries • Bellingham, WA

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Robotics Navigation Engineer is responsible for the autonomous navigation systems that enable our large industrial AGVs to safely traverse factory environments. This includes deploying and configuring SLAM algorithms, integrating LIDAR and vision sensors for localization, implementing path-planning and obstacle-avoidance solutions, and ensuring that vehicles transporting payloads up to 50,000 lb. can reliably drive from location to location without collisions. The emphasis is on applying commercially available frameworks, such as the ROS 2 Navigation Stack and NVIDIA Isaac, rather than developing navigation algorithms from scratch.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field
• Willingness to work on-site at our Sedro-Woolley or Bellingham, WA facilities
• Applicants must be a US Citizen or of Legal Permanent Resident Status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b (a) (3).
• This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required).
• Special Access Program or other Government Access Requirements are mandatory for this position and requires candidate agreed to enter a Continuous Evaluation program.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ROS/ROS 2 navigation frameworks (academic projects through production deployments, depending on level)
• Familiarity with SLAM techniques (EKF-SLAM, graph-based SLAM, visual SLAM)
• Hands-on experience with LIDAR or depth camera hardware (Velodyne, Ouster, Intel RealSense, etc.)
• Programming proficiency in Python and/or C++ in Linux environments
• Experience with NVIDIA Isaac SDK, Isaac ROS, Isaac Sim, or Jetson platforms
• Experience with multi-sensor fusion for localization (LIDAR + visual + wheel odometry)
• Familiarity with industrial safety standards for mobile robots (ANSI/RIA R15.08, ISO 3691-4)
• Experience with large or heavy-payload mobile platforms (AGVs, AMRs, or outdoor vehicles)
• Background in manufacturing, warehousing, or industrial automation environments
• Experience with simulation environments (Gazebo, Isaac Sim)
• Master’s or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Responsibilities

• Configure and deploy SLAM frameworks (ROS 2 Nav Stack, NVIDIA Isaac, or equivalent) for localization in large indoor manufacturing environments
• Integrate and calibrate multi-sensor arrays including LIDAR, depth cameras, wheel encoders, and IMUs for robust localization
• Implement and tune path-planning and obstacle-avoidance algorithms for slow-moving, heavy-payload AGVs (up to 3,400 lb vehicle weight, carrying up to 50,000 lb)
• Build and maintain mapping and re-localization pipelines that accommodate changing factory layouts and dynamic obstacles
• Implement safety-rated obstacle detection appropriate for human-robot shared workspaces
• Perform field testing, data collection, and failure analysis to drive continuous improvement in navigation reliability
• Evaluate emerging navigation technologies and commercial platforms; make or recommend build-versus-buy decisions at senior levels

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with employer contribution
• Disability insurance as well as Life/AD&D insurance
• HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer contribution and FSA (Flexible Savings Account)
• 401k with employer matching
• Paid time off and paid holidays (including two floating holidays)
• Education reimbursement program
• Several shift options
• Discretionary bonus
• Additional pay for off-shifts, off-site work, and access pay

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees