Field Robotics Engineer – Outdoor Autonomous Systems

You will tackle real-world autonomy challenges in unstructured terrain. The platform navigates mud, dust, vibration, rain—even zero-visibility nights. Expect rapid prototyping, week-long field trials, and tight feedback loops between simulation and reality. Your code will steer multi-ton machines that sow crops, survey mines, and inspect remote infrastructure 24/7.

Responsibilities  

- Architect and maintain ROS/ROS 2 stacks for perception, localization, and control.  

- Implement SLAM algorithms combining LiDAR, stereo cameras, GPS, and high-grade IMUs.  

- Develop sensor fusion pipelines in C++ and Python; optimise latency below 50 ms.  

- Design ruggedised enclosures; specify IP-rated connectors, shock mounts, and thermal paths.  

- Create autonomous navigation behaviours—global planning, local obstacle avoidance, recovery modes.  

- Build Gazebo simulations that mirror wheel-slip, material deformation, and weather effects.  

- Run structured field tests; capture telemetry; iterate quickly on failure points.  

- Document results, author test plans, and mentor junior robotics engineers.  

Requirements  

- 4+ years building field robots or mobile autonomous platforms.  

- Proficiency in C++17 and Python 3.x on Linux.  

- Deep knowledge of ROS, ROS 2, SLAM (e.g., Cartographer, RTAB-Map), and sensor calibration.  

- Hands-on experience with LiDAR processing (PCL), GNSS/RTK-GPS, and high-rate IMU integration.  

- Comfort with oscilloscopes, soldering irons, and CAN-bus analyzers when hardware misbehaves.  

- Ability to spend up to 25 % of time at remote test sites across North America.  

Preferred Skills  

- Background in agriculture, heavy equipment, or defense vehicle autonomy.  

- Experience deploying machine-learning perception models on NVIDIA Jetson or similar edge GPUs.  

- Knowledge of ruggedised power systems, MIL-STD-810G testing, or IP-67 sealing techniques.  

- Familiarity with micro-frontends for telemetry dashboards (React, Plotly).  

- Track record of publishing open-source contributions or conference papers in robotics.