Senior Autonomy Engineer (AI) NODA AI

Location: Austin TX (Hybrid on-site with up to 20% travel)
Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance

About NODA

NODA is a veteran-owned venture-backed technology company that is transforming how unmanned systems collaborate in complex mission-critical environments. We are developing next-generation solutions that enable the autonomous orchestration of heterogeneous unmanned systems across air sea land and space with vital applications in the defense intelligence and commercial sectors.

We are building the autonomy layers that allow systems from multiple domains to operate in synchronized adaptive and resilient ways. Our autonomy engineers bridge the gap between high-level AI-driven mission intent and real-world execution across UAVs USVs and UUVs operating in contested and dynamic environments.

Joining NODA means working on meaningful technology that pushes the boundaries of autonomy alongside a team that thrives on innovation rapid iteration and collaboration.

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer to design and implement the autonomy stack that powers adaptive multi-vehicle orchestration. This role focuses on mission planning path generation behavior execution and task allocation across heterogeneous fleets.

You will work at the intersection of AI reasoning frameworks ROS2-based autonomy stacks and distributed multi-agent systems ensuring mission intent can be reliably executed and adapted in real-world conditions. Success in this role requires strong technical foundations in robotics practical systems thinking and a passion for delivering robust autonomy where reliability is non-negotiable.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement autonomy modules including path planning task allocation behavior trees and reactive execution models.

• Develop and maintain the autonomy framework that integrates with orchestration (AI-driven mission planning) and world modeling.

• Ensure AI-generated plans are executable explainable and safe across multi-domain robotic platforms.

• Implement and validate navigation control and autonomy behaviors for UAVs USVs and UUVs using ROS2 and simulation environments.

• Profile and optimize autonomy performance for edge compute hardware (Jetson Raspberry Pi-class devices).

• Conduct simulation-in-loop and hardware-in-loop testing to validate autonomy behaviors before live field deployment.

• Contribute to safety reliability and compliance practices for autonomy in defense-relevant missions.

• Collaborate across AI networking and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless orchestration of multi-vehicle operations.

Required Qualifications

• 6 years experience developing autonomy or robotics systems.

• Proficiency in C and Python for real-time autonomy development.

• Strong hands-on experience with ROS2 and robotics middleware.

• Background in motion planning navigation and control systems.

• Experience with state estimation sensor fusion and autonomy validation.

• Familiarity with behavior trees task allocation or symbolic planners.

• Knowledge of simulation environments (Gazebo Isaac Sim AirSim or equivalent).

• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain a clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multi-agent coordination and swarm robotics.

• Exposure to autonomous vehicle domains (UAVs UUVs USVs).

• Familiarity with MAVLink JAUS or STANAG 4586 protocols.

• Background in AI planning reinforcement learning or constraint solvers.

• Experience optimizing autonomy for embedded/real-time performance.

• Prior exposure to defense or aerospace autonomy systems.

• Contributions to open-source robotics or autonomy projects.

Skills & Attributes

• Systems thinker: able to connect autonomy layers with AI reasoning and orchestration.

• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in both simulation and field environments.

• Cross-disciplinary collaborator comfortable working with AI networking and data engineering teams.

• Thrives in ambiguous mission-driven problem spaces.

• Detail-oriented and safety-focused with commitment to reliable autonomy in critical missions.

Benefits & Perks

Our culture fosters collaboration respect and trust empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary comprehensive benefits and opportunities for career addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We offer comprehensive medical dental and visions plans

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals Company match

• Equity grants for new hires

• Unlimited PTO

• 11 Paid holidays

• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in November & December.

• Generous Parental Leave

• Military Leave for annual training or service requirements

• FSA

• DCFSA

• HSA

• Professional Development Opportunities

• Access to One Medical

• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services such as free legal and financial support are available to you as well.

Growth Path at NODA

• Senior Autonomy Engineer lead development of autonomy modules and mentor engineers.

• Staff/Principal Engineer drive cross-domain autonomy integration standards and frameworks.

• Autonomy Lead own the autonomy stack and guide integration with AI-driven orchestration at scale.

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) you must be a U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident of the U.S. protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Statement

NODA AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse inclusive and respectful workplace and to maintaining equitable employment and hiring practices. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and make all employment decisions without regard to race color religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth and related medical conditions) sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin age disability genetic information protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law.

As a federal contractor NODA AI complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA) as amended. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruiting hiring and employment process.

Consistent with applicable federal state and local laws qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with applicable fair chance and ban-the-box laws including the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance where applicable. We actively encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds including women minorities protected veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply.

NODA AI is committed to fostering an inclusive supportive and accessible work environment for all applicants and employees. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process please dont hesitate to reach out to us at or contact your recruiter so we can provide the support you need.

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Required Experience:

Senior IC