iO Associates
Software Engineer (SWE) - Autonomy and Systems Integration
Location: U.S.-based (with international travel) Commitment: Full-time | Early Team Role
About Us
We are a stealth-mode defense technology startup founded by former U.S. Navy leaders and early Samsara builders. Our mission is to redefine the future of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) with scalable, military-grade systems designed for operational impact. We are building a team of mission-driven engineers to deliver cutting-edge prototypes and production-ready platforms at speed.
Role Overview
As a Software Engineer, you will lead the development of control, autonomy, and data systems for USVs, with a focus on scalability, reliability, and military-grade performance. Your work will span embedded systems, real-time control, sensor integration, and AI/ML-driven autonomy features including navigation, perception, and multi-agent coordination. You will play a critical role in bridging prototype systems with scalable production software, ensuring readiness for end-user deployment and manufacturing ramp-up in Taiwan.
Key Responsibilities Develop and optimize software for USV control systems, sensor data processing, and mission autonomy Design and implement algorithms for navigation, perception, and multi-agent coordination Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to ensure seamless hardware-software integration Support rapid prototyping, iterative testing, and operational validation with end-users Ownership of the development, build frameworks for scalability, system reliability, and secure deployment across production platforms Contribute to performance evaluations, fault tolerance, and data-driven efficiency improvements Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or related field 5-10 years of experience in software engineering, ideally in defense, marine, aerospace, or startup environments Proficiency in Python, C++, or comparable languages, with strong experience in embedded systems and real-time applications Background in AI/ML for robotics or autonomy, with expertise in navigation, perception, or multi-agent systems Familiarity with ITAR regulations, military software specifications, and defense technology requirements Proven ability to work in early-stage or 0-1 environments, balancing speed and rigor Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in fast-paced, mission-critical contexts Preferred Background U.S.-based candidates with operational experience or prior U.S. military service Experience with robotics, unmanned systems, or dual-use defense technologies Hands-on contributions to autonomy stacks (e.g., SLAM, sensor fusion, path planning, multi-vehicle coordination) Compensation Competitive base salary Founding-level equity package Performance bonus tied to engineering milestones
Location: U.S.-based (with international travel) Commitment: Full-time | Early Team Role
About Us
We are a stealth-mode defense technology startup founded by former U.S. Navy leaders and early Samsara builders. Our mission is to redefine the future of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) with scalable, military-grade systems designed for operational impact. We are building a team of mission-driven engineers to deliver cutting-edge prototypes and production-ready platforms at speed.
Role Overview
As a Software Engineer, you will lead the development of control, autonomy, and data systems for USVs, with a focus on scalability, reliability, and military-grade performance. Your work will span embedded systems, real-time control, sensor integration, and AI/ML-driven autonomy features including navigation, perception, and multi-agent coordination. You will play a critical role in bridging prototype systems with scalable production software, ensuring readiness for end-user deployment and manufacturing ramp-up in Taiwan.
Key Responsibilities Develop and optimize software for USV control systems, sensor data processing, and mission autonomy Design and implement algorithms for navigation, perception, and multi-agent coordination Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to ensure seamless hardware-software integration Support rapid prototyping, iterative testing, and operational validation with end-users Ownership of the development, build frameworks for scalability, system reliability, and secure deployment across production platforms Contribute to performance evaluations, fault tolerance, and data-driven efficiency improvements Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or related field 5-10 years of experience in software engineering, ideally in defense, marine, aerospace, or startup environments Proficiency in Python, C++, or comparable languages, with strong experience in embedded systems and real-time applications Background in AI/ML for robotics or autonomy, with expertise in navigation, perception, or multi-agent systems Familiarity with ITAR regulations, military software specifications, and defense technology requirements Proven ability to work in early-stage or 0-1 environments, balancing speed and rigor Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in fast-paced, mission-critical contexts Preferred Background U.S.-based candidates with operational experience or prior U.S. military service Experience with robotics, unmanned systems, or dual-use defense technologies Hands-on contributions to autonomy stacks (e.g., SLAM, sensor fusion, path planning, multi-vehicle coordination) Compensation Competitive base salary Founding-level equity package Performance bonus tied to engineering milestones