Principal Robotics Engineer

ARA's Engineering Science Division is seeking a highly skilled and innovative robotics engineer to join our team.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in C++, Java Script, and Python development, coupled with experience in robotics.

This full-stack role involves developing robust frontend and backend software for virtual simulation.

This is an on-site position located in San Antonio, TX.

U.S.

citizenship is required.

Candidates selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

What you will do as a principal robotics engineer:


* Architect, develop, and maintain backend systems using C++, Python, ROS/ROS2, and containerized deployment environments (Docker).


* Implement scalable and maintainable build and CI/CD workflows using Git and automated pipelines.


* Develop front-end user interfaces and tools using JavaScript, Java-based GUI frameworks, REST APIs, and cloud-based technologies.


* Design and implement APIs and data exchange layers supporting simulation systems, autonomy behaviors, and sensor modeling.


* Contribute to high-fidelity simulation environments representing UUV dynamics, environmental conditions, sensor modalities, and mission workflows.


* Collaborate with autonomy and systems engineers to integrate perception, navigation, and control capabilities.


* Perform code reviews, mentor junior developers, and contribute to software engineering best practices.


* Troubleshoot and optimize software performance across distributed systems and heterogeneous hardware environments.


* Build and deploy containerized applications using Docker in development and production environments.

Principal robotics engineer requirements: 


* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.


* 12+ years of experience.

Advanced degree may serve in partial fulfillment of the experience requirement.
+ Expert-level proficiency in C++, Python, and JavaScript for backend and frontend systems development.
+ Demonstrated experience with robotics software stacks including ROS/ROS2, simulation environments, and sensor or autonomy integration.
+ Demonstrated experience designing and maintaining APIs, CI/CD pipelines, and distributed system architectures.
+ Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills across complex software and hardware environments.

Preferred experience:


* Azure cloud services and cloud-native application development.


* Jira and Confluence for project tracking, documentation, and Agile workflow management.


* Experience building software for scalability, modularity, and long-term maintainability.


* Knowledge of physics‑based modeling, environmental simulation, or digital twin concepts.

About ARA:

ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically...