Robotics Engineer - Ground Autonomy
About Us:
Collaborative autonomy is how self-tasking teams of machines will solve hard human problems, and HavocAI is an unquestioned leader in collaborative autonomy. We set the standard for autonomous surface vessels for a wide range of defense and commercial maritime missions. Success requires us to grow quickly, and we’re looking for teammates who are passionate about solving hard problems, about pushing the envelope, and about preventing conflict and saving lives. Ambition is welcome to apply within.
About the Role
As a Robotics Engineer – Ground Autonomy, you will design, build, and deploy autonomy systems for unmanned ground vehicles operating in complex, unstructured environments.
This role spans the full autonomy stack — from control systems and motion planning to perception integration and mission execution. You won’t just write algorithms; you’ll own systems that move real machines across real terrain under real operational constraints.
If you are energized by making intelligent systems move safely and confidently through the world, and want your work tested beyond the lab, this role offers immediate and meaningful impact.
Key Responsibilities
End-to-End Autonomy Ownership
Own ground autonomy systems deployed to operational platforms
Deliver reliable, mission-ready autonomy software
Control & Motion Planning
Design and implement control algorithms (path following, trajectory generation, vehicle dynamics modeling)
Develop motion planning strategies for diverse and dynamic terrains
Optimize for stability, precision, and safety
Perception Integration
Develop and integrate perception pipelines for obstacle detection, terrain analysis, and environmental understanding
Fuse heterogeneous sensors (camera, lidar, radar, IMU) into robust autonomy outputs
Autonomy Architecture
Build and extend ROS2-based autonomy stacks
Implement mission planning, behavior trees, and real-time navigation logic
Maintain modular, scalable autonomy architecture
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with embedded, hardware, and mission software teams
Drive autonomy integration from prototype to field deployment
Field Testing & Debugging
Develop monitoring and performance metrics for deployed systems
Diagnose autonomy failures in real-world environments
Support live testing, demonstrations, and deployments
Customer & Operator Engagement
Translate operational ground mission needs into autonomy capabilities
Balance field constraints with technical feasibility
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (or related field)
3+ years of experience in C++ and/or Python in Linux environments
Hands-on experience deploying ROS2-based autonomy systems on real-world ground platforms
Experience designing control systems for autonomous vehicles (path planning, trajectory following, vehicle dynamics)
Experience building perception systems for ground autonomy
Strong systems-thinking and debugging skills
Passion for mission-critical real-world robotics
U.S. Citizenship and eligibility for U.S. security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with multi-agent or coordinated ground vehicle systems
SLAM, GPS-denied navigation, or advanced localization techniques
Motion planning algorithms (RRT, MPC, A*, etc.)
Experience with heterogeneous sensor integration
Real-time or safety-critical systems experience
Familiarity with military ground systems and operational tactics
Why This Role Matters
You will build autonomy systems that operate beyond controlled environments — on terrain that challenges perception, control, and decision-making in real time. Your work will directly impact how autonomous ground platforms perform in operational missions.
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
Our Values:
Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.
Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.
Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through innovation.
Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity.
Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.
Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.
HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.