Job Requisition

Title: Senior Software Developer – AI/ML Autonomous Driving & Navigation
Location: Onsite

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

We are seeking an Experienced Software Developer – AI/ML Autonomous Driving & Navigation to join our software team to build out the suite of our Un-manned Surface Vessel (USV) autonomy and control software. MARTAC has developed a USV control system comprised of on-board vessel control components, ground-based user stations and network distributed components. MARTAC is on the cutting edge of autonomous maritime navigation.

This role focuses on machine learning, perception, navigation, path planning, sensor fusion, and real-time decision-making for autonomous platforms operating in dynamic environments.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in AI/ML-based autonomy, robotics software, maritime navigation systems implementing COLREGs and Contact Avoidance Behaviors, with the ability to move from algorithm design through deployment on embedded or real-time platforms. This person will work across perception, controls, systems, simulation, and platform engineering teams to deliver robust, production-quality autonomous driving capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop software for autonomous navigation, including localization, mapping, perception, path planning, obstacle avoidance, and motion decision logic.
• Build and optimize AI/ML models for object detection, classification, tracking, scene understanding, and behavior prediction.
• Develop and integrate sensor fusion solutions using data from cameras, LiDAR, radar, GPS, IMU, and other onboard sensors.
• Implement navigation and autonomy algorithms for structured and unstructured environments.
• Collaborate with systems, controls, and platform teams to integrate autonomy functions into vehicle software architecture.
• Develop software in C++ for real-time or near-real-time autonomy applications.
• Create simulation and test pipelines for model training, algorithm validation, and system verification.
• Support field testing, debug performance issues, and refine autonomy behavior based on test results.
• Improve software reliability, safety, performance, and maintainability using sound engineering practices.
• Contribute to requirements definition, technical planning, architecture reviews, and code reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in AI/ML and autonomy development.
• Support transition from prototype algorithms to production-ready implementations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of software development experience, with significant work in AI/ML, robotics, autonomous systems, or navigation.
• Strong programming skills in C++
• Knowledge of AI LLM training and deployment
• Experience with ML frameworks.
• Experience developing perception or navigation algorithms for autonomous systems.
• Strong understanding of one or more of the following:
• Sensor fusion
• SLAM / localization / mapping
• Path planning / trajectory generation
• Computer vision
• Object tracking
• Reinforcement learning or behavior planning
• Experience with robotics middleware or autonomy frameworks such as ROS / ROS2 or equivalent.
• Experience with message bus and micro-service based architectures
• Experience working with real-world sensor data from LiDAR, radar, cameras, GPS, and IMU.
• Familiarity with simulation tools and data analysis workflows.
• Experience with Linux-based development environments, Git, CI/CD, and modern software engineering practices.
• Strong debugging, problem-solving, and system integration skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong Python coding skills
• Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant field.
• Experience with autonomous driving, ADAS, mobile robotics, marine autonomy, UAV autonomy, or other safety-critical autonomous platforms.
• Experience deploying AI/ML models to embedded, edge, or GPU-accelerated systems.
• Knowledge of real-time operating systems or safety-critical software development.
• Experience with Kalman filters, probabilistic estimation, occupancy grids, route planning, and mission planning.
• Experience with synthetic data, digital twins, or simulation environments such as CARLA, Gazebo, AirSim, or similar.
• Familiarity with standards or processes related to safety, verification, and validation.
• Experience leading small technical teams or owning major autonomy subsystems.

Technical Skills

• Languages: C++, Python
• Frameworks/Libraries: PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV, ROS/ROS2
• Concepts: Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Sensor Fusion, SLAM, Path Planning, Computer Vision, Navigation, Localization
• Tools: Linux, Git, Docker, CI/CD, simulation and test frameworks
• Nice to Have: CUDA, embedded GPU platforms, real-time systems, cloud-based model training pipelines

Leadership / Behavioral Competencies

• Strong ownership and accountability
• Ability to balance research innovation with product delivery
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong collaboration across software, systems, hardware, and test teams
• Technical leadership and mentoring capability
• Ability to decompose complex autonomy challenges into executable development plans

Success Criteria

In this role, success will include:

• Delivering reliable autonomy software that performs in simulation and field environments
• Improving perception, navigation, and decision-making accuracy and robustness
• Reducing integration risk through disciplined software architecture and testing
• Helping mature AI/ML autonomy capability from concept to deployable product
• Serving as a senior technical contributor and trusted leader within the autonomy team

Aditional Notes

• Must be able to successfully pass a background investigation and drug screen.
• US Citizenship
• DoD Security Clearance/Ability to get a clearance

MARTAC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. MARTAC makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.