Senior Robotics Engineer - Spacecraft Swarm Control & Autonomy

Job Description

Senior Robotics Engineer Swarm Autonomy for Self-Assembling Space Systems!

Opportunity Summary

A stealth-mode, venture-backed startup is engineering the first self-assembling space architecture, leveraging electromagnetic arrays, autonomous robotics, and swarm coordination. We're searching for a Senior Robotics Engineer to architect and implement the core autonomy systems enabling multi-agent formation, self-organization, and flight control in space. This is a highly visible role that will define and deliver swarm intelligence capabilities from simulation to hardware-in-the-loop testing and flight demonstration. If you're driven by technical complexity, thrive in early-stage environments, and want to shape the brains of scalable robotic systems in orbit, this is your moment.

About Us

We are a deep-tech space startup building the foundation for modular, self-assembling orbital infrastructure. By fusing cutting-edge research in robotics, electromagnetics, and swarm intelligence, we aim to disrupt how large-scale systems are deployed in space. Our founding team includes engineers and researchers from top space programs. We're pre-seed, well-capitalized, and laser-focused on a first demonstration mission.

Job Duties

Design and implement distributed control systems that govern electromagnetic swarm assembly in microgravity

Develop pose estimation, relative localization, and autonomous coordination algorithms

Integrate real-time robotic control logic into simulation and hardware environments

Collaborate with hardware, RF, and embedded teams to align on system-wide control interfaces

Support physical prototyping, lab testing, and flight demo preparation

Own software architecture for scalable multi-agent autonomy, including communication, sensing, and fault recovery

Simulate and validate swarm behaviors in environments like Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or custom testbeds

Drive early design trades, algorithmic prototyping, and real-time control for mission-critical demos

Qualifications

5+ years of experience in robotics, autonomy, or control systems engineering

Strong understanding of SLAM, sensor fusion, and multi-agent robotic behavior

Proficiency in C++, Python, and ROS2; familiarity with real-time systems and onboard compute architectures

Hands-on experience deploying robotics software in either aerial drones, spacecraft, or other high-consequence domains

Ability to build from zero-to-one in uncertain technical environments and rapidly iterate under tight timelines

Preferred Experience

Prior work on swarm robotics, formation flying, or distributed systems in space or terrestrial robotics

Experience with Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or equivalent multi-agent simulation platforms

Familiarity with robotic localization systems and real-time feedback loop control

Exposure to embedded systems, RF-based localization, or EM-based actuation a strong plus

Excellent technical communication and cross-functional team collaboration

Security Clearance

Must be able to obtain US Secret clearance.

Why Join Us

Shape the future of autonomous space infrastructure at the foundational level

Take ownership in a high-impact, zero-to-one role with full-stack engineering exposure

Join a stealth team with elite technical talent and bold technical ambitions

Rapid professional growth with early-stage equity upside

Flexible work environment

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

Equity options and participation in company success

Compensation Details

$125,000 - $175,000 plus equity

Full-time