Approach Venture
Founding Robotics Engineer – Own the Autonomy Stack for Next-Generation Tactical Robotics
Austin, TX | Onsite
Opportunity Summary A rapidly growing, well‑funded early‑stage robotics company is developing autonomous ground systems designed to detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats. The team is transitioning from prototype to production, building out its core engineering functions and expanding testing capabilities. As the Founding Robotics Engineer, you will take full ownership of the autonomy stack, spanning perception, control, embedded software, and sensor integration. This is a rare opportunity to shape architecture, drive hands‑on development, and see your work tested in real‑world environments. You will help define the company’s technical foundation while playing a central role in building one of the most advanced robotic systems in defense.
About Us We are a venture‑backed robotics startup creating real‑world autonomy solutions for defense and security applications. Our founders are industry veterans with deep expertise in AI, autonomy, and fielded robotic systems. With new lab facilities, active prototypes, and a mission‑driven culture, we move fast, iterate quickly, and validate often. The team thrives in a collaborative, hardware‑first environment where innovation meets execution and ideas transition rapidly into field‑tested capability.
Job Duties
Architect and implement autonomy software covering perception, control, and embedded integration
Design, test, and integrate multi‑sensor systems (IMUs, cameras, encoders) for high‑accuracy state estimation
Develop and tune control algorithms (PID, MPC, or similar) for electromechanical systems
Write and optimize firmware in C++ or Rust for real‑time operation, motion, and communications
Create Python‑based tools for testing, calibration, visualization, and automation
Lead iterative field testing campaigns to validate control and perception performance
Debug across software, hardware, and mechanical interfaces to drive rapid improvement
Collaborate cross‑functionally with specialists in AI/ML, perception, and embedded hardware
Build scalable, modular architectures for high‑performance robotics platforms
Qualifications
5+ years of experience developing robotic platforms, embedded systems, or real‑time control software
Proficiency in modern C++ and Python
Deep understanding of sensor fusion, motion control, and electromechanical systems
Hands‑on experience with RTOS environments such as Jetson or STM32
Familiarity with communication protocols like CAN, UART, and SPI
Proven ability to debug at both hardware and software levels
Comfortable in fast‑moving, resource‑constrained startup environments
Preferred Experience
Rust for embedded applications
ROS2, DDS, or equivalent real‑time middleware
Model‑predictive or adaptive control implementation
GPU programming (CUDA) or parallel compute environments
PCB design exposure or EMI/EMC systems knowledge
Understanding of distributed computing or CI/CD workflows
Experience with ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) or advanced robotics simulation
Why Join Us
Play a founding‑team role with significant technical ownership and impact
Partner directly with leadership to shape the company’s direction and roadmap
Contribute across the full stack including hardware, firmware, autonomy, and perception
Build technology that directly addresses critical national defense challenges
Work in a fast‑paced, prototype‑driven environment with frequent field validation
Competitive compensation with early equity and long‑term growth opportunity
Relocation assistance available for exceptional candidates
Compensation Details $120,000 - $200,000
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Information Technology, Engineering, and Design
Industries Robotics Engineering, Software Development, Defense and Space Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Opportunity Summary A rapidly growing, well‑funded early‑stage robotics company is developing autonomous ground systems designed to detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats. The team is transitioning from prototype to production, building out its core engineering functions and expanding testing capabilities. As the Founding Robotics Engineer, you will take full ownership of the autonomy stack, spanning perception, control, embedded software, and sensor integration. This is a rare opportunity to shape architecture, drive hands‑on development, and see your work tested in real‑world environments. You will help define the company’s technical foundation while playing a central role in building one of the most advanced robotic systems in defense.
About Us We are a venture‑backed robotics startup creating real‑world autonomy solutions for defense and security applications. Our founders are industry veterans with deep expertise in AI, autonomy, and fielded robotic systems. With new lab facilities, active prototypes, and a mission‑driven culture, we move fast, iterate quickly, and validate often. The team thrives in a collaborative, hardware‑first environment where innovation meets execution and ideas transition rapidly into field‑tested capability.
Job Duties
Architect and implement autonomy software covering perception, control, and embedded integration
Design, test, and integrate multi‑sensor systems (IMUs, cameras, encoders) for high‑accuracy state estimation
Develop and tune control algorithms (PID, MPC, or similar) for electromechanical systems
Write and optimize firmware in C++ or Rust for real‑time operation, motion, and communications
Create Python‑based tools for testing, calibration, visualization, and automation
Lead iterative field testing campaigns to validate control and perception performance
Debug across software, hardware, and mechanical interfaces to drive rapid improvement
Collaborate cross‑functionally with specialists in AI/ML, perception, and embedded hardware
Build scalable, modular architectures for high‑performance robotics platforms
Qualifications
5+ years of experience developing robotic platforms, embedded systems, or real‑time control software
Proficiency in modern C++ and Python
Deep understanding of sensor fusion, motion control, and electromechanical systems
Hands‑on experience with RTOS environments such as Jetson or STM32
Familiarity with communication protocols like CAN, UART, and SPI
Proven ability to debug at both hardware and software levels
Comfortable in fast‑moving, resource‑constrained startup environments
Preferred Experience
Rust for embedded applications
ROS2, DDS, or equivalent real‑time middleware
Model‑predictive or adaptive control implementation
GPU programming (CUDA) or parallel compute environments
PCB design exposure or EMI/EMC systems knowledge
Understanding of distributed computing or CI/CD workflows
Experience with ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) or advanced robotics simulation
Why Join Us
Play a founding‑team role with significant technical ownership and impact
Partner directly with leadership to shape the company’s direction and roadmap
Contribute across the full stack including hardware, firmware, autonomy, and perception
Build technology that directly addresses critical national defense challenges
Work in a fast‑paced, prototype‑driven environment with frequent field validation
Competitive compensation with early equity and long‑term growth opportunity
Relocation assistance available for exceptional candidates
Compensation Details $120,000 - $200,000
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Information Technology, Engineering, and Design
Industries Robotics Engineering, Software Development, Defense and Space Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr