NODA AI develops an AI-powered orchestration platform that coordinates cross-vendor, mixed-fleet autonomous systems for defense and intelligence customers.
SENIOR AUTONOMY ENGINEER (AI) – NODA AI Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid on-site, with up to 20% travel) Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance ABOUT NODA NODA is a veteran-owned, venture-backed technology company that is transforming how unmanned systems collaborate in complex, mission-critical environments. We are developing next-generation solutions that enable the autonomous orchestration of heterogeneous unmanned systems across air, sea, land, and space with vital applications in the defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors. We are building the autonomy layers that allow systems from multiple domains to operate in synchronized, adaptive, and resilient ways. Our autonomy engineers bridge the gap between high-level AI-driven mission intent and real-world execution across UAVs, USVs, and UUVs operating in contested and dynamic environments. Joining NODA means working on meaningful technology that pushes the boundaries of autonomy alongside a team that thrives on innovation, rapid iteration, and collaboration. THE ROLE We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer to design and implement the autonomy stack that powers adaptive multi-vehicle orchestration. This role focuses on mission planning, path generation, behavior execution, and task allocation across heterogeneous fleets. You will work at the intersection of AI reasoning frameworks, ROS2-based autonomy stacks, and distributed multi-agent systems, ensuring mission intent can be reliably executed and adapted in real-world conditions. Success in this role requires strong technical foundations in robotics, practical systems thinking, and a passion for delivering robust autonomy where reliability is non-negotiable. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Design and implement autonomy modules including path planning, task allocation, behavior trees, and reactive execution models. - Develop and maintain the autonomy framework that integrates with orchestration (AI-driven mission planning) and world modeling. - Ensure AI-generated plans are executable, explainable, and safe across multi-domain robotic platforms. - Implement and validate navigation, control, and autonomy behaviors for UAVs, USVs, and UUVs using ROS2 and simulation environments. - Profile and optimize autonomy performance for edge compute hardware (Jetson, Raspberry Pi-class devices). - Conduct simulation-in-loop and hardware-in-loop testing to validate autonomy behaviors before live field deployment. - Contribute to safety, reliability, and compliance practices for autonomy in defense-relevant missions. - Collaborate across AI, networking, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless orchestration of multi-vehicle operations. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - 6+ years experience developing autonomy or robotics systems. - Proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time autonomy development. - Strong hands-on experience with ROS2 and robotics middleware. - Background in motion planning, navigation, and control systems. - Experience with state estimation, sensor fusion, and autonomy validation. - Familiarity with behavior trees, task allocation, or symbolic planners. - Knowledge of simulation environments (Gazebo, Isaac Sim, AirSim, or equivalent). - U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain a clearance. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience with multi-agent coordination and swarm robotics. - Exposure to autonomous vehicle domains (UAVs, UUVs, USVs). - Familiarity with MAVLink, JAUS, or STANAG 4586 protocols. - Background in AI planning, reinforcement learning, or constraint solvers. - Experience optimizing autonomy for embedded/real-time performance. - Prior exposure to defense or aerospace autonomy systems. - Contributions to open-source robotics or autonomy projects. SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES - Systems thinker: able to connect autonomy layers with AI reasoning and orchestration. - Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in both simulation and field environments. - Cross-disciplinary collaborator, comfortable working with AI, networking, and data engineering teams. - Thrives in ambiguous, mission-driven problem spaces. - Detail-oriented and safety-focused, with commitment to reliable autonomy in critical missions. BENEFITS & PERKS Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation: - We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans - 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals + Company match - Equity grants for new hires - Unlimited PTO - 11 Paid holidays - Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December. - Generous Parental Leave - Military Leave for annual training or service requirements - FSA - DCFSA - HSA - Professional Development Opportunities - Access to One Medical https://www.onemedical.com/ - Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well. GROWTH PATH AT NODA - Senior Autonomy Engineer – lead development of autonomy modules and mentor engineers. - Staff/Principal Engineer – drive cross-domain autonomy integration, standards, and frameworks. - Autonomy Lead – own the autonomy stack and guide integration with AI-driven orchestration at scale. Export Control Compliance To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR