Senior Autonomy Engineer

About Neya Systems / ARA
Neya Systems, a division of Applied Research Associates (ARA), is a leader in advanced robotics and autonomy technologies supporting national defense and national security missions. We develop high‑reliability autonomy software for unmanned ground systems that operate in complex, real‑world environments. Our work spans perception, planning, controls, sensor fusion, human‑robot interaction, and system integration.

About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of autonomy capabilities across unmanned ground vehicle platforms. This role requires strong technical depth, hands‑on robotics experience, and the ability to work across multiple subsystems including perception, planning, controls, and embedded software. This position is a hybrid role, requiring three days per week onsite at our Warrendale, PA office.

As a senior contributor, you will drive complex technical efforts, mentor engineers, analyze system performance, and help shape next‑generation autonomy solutions.

What You’ll Do
• Lead the design and implementation of autonomy algorithms, behaviors, and system components
• Integrate autonomy software with robotic platforms and real‑world sensor suites
• Drive technical investigations, root‑cause analyses, and performance optimizations
• Lead field tests, evaluate autonomy behavior, analyze data, and guide improvements
• Collaborate with perception, planning, controls, and systems engineering teams to ensure cohesive system behavior
• Serve as a key technical point of contact for customers, program managers, and internal stakeholders
• Conduct design reviews, code reviews, and contribute to best practices and technical standards
• Mentor junior and mid‑level engineers in autonomy development and robotics integration
• Support customer demos, experiments, and technical events
• Travel 10–25% depending on testing and project needs

Qualifications
• B.S. or M.S. in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of experience developing autonomy or robotics systems (UGVs preferred)
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python for real‑time or robotics applications
• Strong understanding of autonomy subsystems: planning, controls, navigation, or sensor fusion
• Hands‑on experience with sensors (LIDAR, cameras, GPS/INS, radar) and hardware integration
• Experience with software design, debugging, and performance analysis across complex systems
• Ability to work independently to solve complex technical problems
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines

Preferred Skills
• ROS2 experience
• Experience with behavior/state machine frameworks
• Knowledge of mapping, perception algorithms, or multi‑sensor fusion
• Embedded or real‑time system experience
• Experience in safety‑critical or mission‑critical robotics environments
• Prior experience mentoring or providing technical leadership

Why Join Neya / ARA?
We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, professional development funding, and the opportunity to contribute to high‑impact autonomy and robotics programs supporting national defense missions.