Clera
Senior Robotics Engineer
Austin · Posted 3h ago
Job Description
About the Role
A small, fast-moving defense tech startup in Austin, TX is hiring a hands-on Senior Robotics Engineer to design the physical control systems powering high-speed interceptor platforms. This is an onsite, mission-critical role sitting at the intersection of control theory, embedded software, and real-world robotics — directly impacting system performance against emerging threats. You'll be a core member of a tight-knit engineering team focused on shipping field-ready capability.
What You'll Do
Design and implement physical control systems — the "body" — for interceptor platforms.
Develop high-bandwidth control loops and advanced control algorithms (e.g., PID, model-predictive, adaptive control) to ensure vehicle stability and precise high-speed maneuvers under dynamic load.
Write high-quality, efficient embedded code (primarily Rust, C, or C++) to manage actuators, motor drivers (via CAN bus), and sensors on RTOS.
Integrate and fuse camera and IMU data (e.g., EKF/UKF) on embedded platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson for reliable, real-time state estimation.
Translate computer-vision tracking output into reliable motor commands that steer the interceptor.
Build and maintain Python-based tools for calibration, logging, and CI/CD to support rapid iteration and deployment.
Work fully onsite in Austin, TX as a full-time member of a small, senior engineering team.
What We're Looking For
Required
6+ years of relevant experience in robotics, controls, or embedded systems.
Strong control theory fundamentals — expertise in PID, model-predictive or adaptive control, and performance tuning for robotics.
Proficiency in Rust, C, or C++ for embedded, low-latency hardware interaction.
Deep experience with embedded platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson), camera pipelines, IMUs, and sensor fusion techniques (EKF/UKF).
Hands-on knowledge of motor drivers, CAN bus, RTOS, and ROS2/DDS or similar middleware.
End-to-end autonomy development experience: translating computer vision outputs into reliable motor commands.
U.S. citizenship and ability to pass a background check; existing security clearance or ability to obtain one is required.
A demonstrated passion for building robots or engineering projects — in or out of work.
Nice to Have
PCB design familiarity and EMC awareness; experience with oscilloscopes, logic/CAN analyzers, and basic rework.
Prior defense startup or mission-driven product experience.
Safety-critical workflow experience.
Model-predictive or adaptive control expertise beyond PID.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary: $150,000 – $250,000 USD annually, commensurate with experience.
Equity participation in an early-stage, high-growth defense tech company.
Comprehensive benefits package.
Location
This role is fully onsite in Austin, TX. Remote and hybrid arrangements are not available. Visa sponsorship is not available — U.S. citizenship is required for security clearance eligibility.