Lead Undersea Vehicle Roboticist

About the Team:


The Sensors Division within STR focuses on the development and analysis of advanced sensor systems in the RF, acoustic, and electro-optical domains. This includes the design and development of novel sensors and advanced information processing techniques from ideation to prototype implementations. The Subsea and Seabed Systems (SSS) Group develops and delivers advanced undersea sensor and signal processing systems related to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and counter-ISR applications.

The Role:

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of undersea robotics? Do you thrive on solving complex challenges and leading the development of cutting-edge autonomous systems? We are seeking a Lead Undersea Vehicle Roboticist to join our team and spearhead the design, development, and implementation of advanced control systems and embedded software for novel uncrewed undersea vehicles.

In this role, you will be at the forefront of innovation, driving the creation of flight control systems that enable mission-level autonomy for next-generation undersea platforms. You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists, leveraging your expertise in robotic frameworks, sensor integration, and control law development to bring white-sheet vehicle designs to life.

What you will do:

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of control systems and embedded software for uncrewed undersea vehicles, from concept to operational deployment
• Architect and implement flight control algorithms that integrate onboard attitude, heading, depth, and other sensor data to achieve precise vehicle control and mission execution
• Develop and integrate robotic frameworks such as Robot Operating System (ROS), MOOS-IvP, Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture (UMAA), or similar platforms to enable robust autonomy
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration of hardware and software components
• Conduct simulation, testing, and validation of control systems in both virtual and real-world environments, iterating designs to optimize performance
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence
• Contribute to the development of system-level requirements, architecture, and documentation to support the full lifecycle of undersea vehicle development
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in robotics, autonomy, and undersea systems, applying them to advance the state of the art.

Who you are:

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master's or Ph.D. preferred)
• 8-10+ years of experience in robotics, autonomous systems, or related fields, with a focus on control systems and embedded software development
• Proven track record of taking white-sheet vehicle designs from concept to full operational functionality
• Deep expertise in robotic frameworks such as ROS, MOOS-IvP, UMAA, or similar platforms
• Strong understanding of control theory, sensor fusion, and real-time systems
• Hands-on experience with integrating and utilizing onboard sensors, including IMUs, depth sensors, and navigation systems, to implement control laws
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, or similar, with a focus on embedded systems and real-time control applications
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, ideally as part of complex technical projects
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a creative and analytical mindset
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance, for which U.S citizenship is needed by the U.S government

Even Better:

• Knowledge of hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and simulation environments
• Experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems
• Active security clearance
• Experience using modeling and simulation to set system performance expectations for advanced or novel UUV designs
• Experience interacting with U.S. Navy and other U.S. Government organizations and processes
• Experience with field testing, especially at-sea testing including system deployment, operation, and recovery operations.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of groundbreaking undersea robotic systems that will shape the future of maritime autonomy. You will work alongside a passionate and talented team, tackling some of the most challenging and rewarding problems in the field. If you are a visionary roboticist with a drive to innovate and lead, we want to hear from you.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $158,000 - $220,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at for more info.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.