Senior Staff Autonomy and Robotics Engineer

About the position Are you passionate about shaping the future of autonomous maritime systems? Skapa by Saab’s Autonomy team is seeking an experienced Senior Staff Autonomy and Robotics Engineer to lead the development of intelligent behaviors for Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). Based in San Diego, CA, you will play a key role in transforming advanced research into deployable autonomy solutions for dynamic, mission-critical maritime operations. You will be part of a high-impact team focused on collaborative behaviors, perception-driven autonomy, and systems integration for next-generation naval systems. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of applied research, robotics engineering, and real-world performance.

Compensation

Range: $177,900 - $240,100

Responsibilities

• Designing, implementing, and validating multi-vehicle autonomous behaviors, including collaborative formation control and dynamic mission execution.
• Developing and integrating sensor-driven perception capabilities to enable autonomous situational awareness, target tracking, and environmental understanding.
• Translating academic research into robust, field-ready autonomy software for maritime robotic platforms.
• Collaborating with engineers, researchers, and system integrators to ensure seamless coordination between autonomy, perception, and broader mission systems.
• Leading simulation-based development and real-world testing of autonomous USVs, from early prototyping to live sea trials.
• Contributing to software architecture design, system integration planning, and autonomy stack scalability.
• Presenting technical work to internal stakeholders, external partners, and DoD customers; contributing to publications and demonstrations as needed.
• Participating in R&D proposal development, strategic planning, and pursuit of advanced autonomy programs sponsored by DARPA, ONR, and other government agencies.
• Mentoring junior engineers and helping grow Saab’s autonomy capabilities in the San Diego region.

Requirements

• MS or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in autonomy, robotics, or intelligent systems; relevant academic research experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated expertise in collaborative robotics, multi-agent autonomy, or formation control for mobile platforms.
• Strong proficiency in integrating perception systems (e.g., radar, EO/IR, LIDAR) into autonomous behavior pipelines.
• Experience developing and deploying robotic autonomy in simulation and hardware environments.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; familiarity with robotics frameworks such as ROS, DDS, or similar.
• Proven ability to bring research concepts through to fieldable, real-world robotic systems.
• The ability to obtain a U.S. DoD SECRET security clearance.
• Willingness and ability to travel (up to 25%) for demonstrations, field tests, and collaborative meetings.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with distributed autonomy architectures, decentralized decision-making.
• Familiarity with planning and control techniques such as Model Predictive Control (MPC), Model Predictive Path Integral Control (MPPI), Rapidly-Exploring Random Trees (RRT), and A search algorithms.
• Background in maritime autonomy, vehicle coordination, or sensor fusion.
• Prior involvement with DoD research programs and proposal development.
• Comfort working across interdisciplinary teams, including software, perception, and systems integration.
• Experience working in hybrid teams with academic collaborators, government customers, and defense integrators.

Benefits

• Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.
• Highlights include:
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
• Wellness and employee assistance resources
• Employee stock purchase opportunities
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

Apply tot his job Apply To this Job