Principal Robotics Engineer 1 (8603A)

ARA is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Principal Robotics Engineer 1 to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in C++ development coupled with experience in robotics. This role involves developing robust C++ software for virtual simulation. This position is located in San Antonio, TX. US Citizen required with ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.

Key responsibilities

• C++ Software Development: Design, implement, and optimize high-performance, real-time C++ code for embedded systems, robotics control, and simulation infrastructure.
• Modeling and Simulation: Create, maintain, and optimize virtual models and simulation environments to test, validate, and refine robotic systems and algorithms before physical deployment.
• Robotics Integration: Develop software frameworks (e.g., ROS/ROS2) and algorithms for controlling and integrating various robotic subsystems, including sensors, motor controllers, and actuators.
• Data Analysis: Analyze data from both simulations and physical hardware to optimize performance and debug system behavior.

Required Experience and Expertise include: 

• Education: Bachelor's with 12-15 years of experience or Master's degree with 10-13 years of experience or PhD with 8+ years experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Programming Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ (C++11/14/17 or higher) for embedded and real-time systems.
• Robotics Experience: Demonstrated experience in robotics software development, including motion planning, perception, and control systems.
• Simulation Skills: Experience developing or working with simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, Unity, Unreal Engine) for robotics applications.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose issues across complex hardware and software systems. 

Preferred experience:

• Familiarity unmanned Navy systems.
• Portfolio showcasing hands-on projects involving C++ programming, robotics, and PCB design.

About ARA:

ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,300 professionals and continues to grow.

ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide expertise across a broad range of engineering and science technologies. Our Better Fuels Group develops and deploys innovative fuels technologies, converting waste products to renewable fuels, and creating high value products for a sustainable future. ARA employs traditional refinery equipment and novel water-based technologies to make fuels and chemicals, including sustainable jet fuel that meets petroleum specifications without blending and diesel fuel that is virtually indistinguishable from petroleum.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. We realize that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience.