Job Description:
Are you passionate about shaping the future of autonomous maritime systems? Skapa by Saab’s Autonomy team is seeking an experienced Senior Staff Autonomy and Robotics Engineer to lead the development of intelligent behaviors for Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). Based in San Diego, CA, you will play a key role in transforming advanced research into deployable autonomy solutions for dynamic, mission-critical maritime operations.
You will be part of a high-impact team focused on collaborative behaviors, perception-driven autonomy, and systems integration for next-generation naval systems. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of applied research, robotics engineering, and real-world performance.
Compensation Range: $177,900 - $240,100
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Designing, implementing, and validating multi-vehicle autonomous behaviors, including collaborative formation control and dynamic mission execution.
• Developing and integrating sensor-driven perception capabilities to enable autonomous situational awareness, target tracking, and environmental understanding.
• Translating academic research into robust, field-ready autonomy software for maritime robotic platforms.
• Collaborating with engineers, researchers, and system integrators to ensure seamless coordination between autonomy, perception, and broader mission systems.
• Leading simulation-based development and real-world testing of autonomous USVs, from early prototyping to live sea trials.
• Contributing to software architecture design, system integration planning, and autonomy stack scalability.
• Presenting technical work to internal stakeholders, external partners, and DoD customers; contributing to publications and demonstrations as needed.
• Participating in R&D proposal development, strategic planning, and pursuit of advanced autonomy programs sponsored by DARPA, ONR, and other government agencies.
• Mentoring junior engineers and helping grow Saab’s autonomy capabilities in the San Diego region.
The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.
Skills and Experience:
Required Qualifications:
• MS or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in autonomy, robotics, or intelligent systems; relevant academic research experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated expertise in collaborative robotics, multi-agent autonomy, or formation control for mobile platforms.
• Strong proficiency in integrating perception systems (e.g., radar, EO/IR, LIDAR) into autonomous behavior pipelines.
• Experience developing and deploying robotic autonomy in simulation and hardware environments.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; familiarity with robotics frameworks such as ROS, DDS, or similar.
• Proven ability to bring research concepts through to fieldable, real-world robotic systems.
• The ability to obtain a U.S. DoD SECRET security clearance.
• Willingness and ability to travel (up to 25%) for demonstrations, field tests, and collaborative meetings.
Desired Skills:
• Familiarity with distributed autonomy architectures, decentralized decision-making.
• Familiarity with planning and control techniques such as Model Predictive Control (MPC), Model Predictive Path Integral Control (MPPI), Rapidly-Exploring Random Trees (RRT), and A* search algorithms.
• Background in maritime autonomy, vehicle coordination, or sensor fusion.
• Prior involvement with DoD research programs and proposal development.
• Comfort working across interdisciplinary teams, including software, perception, and systems integration.
• Experience working in hybrid teams with academic collaborators, government customers, and defense integrators.
Additional Information:
• Primary work location: San Diego, CA.
• Hybrid work flexibility available; occasional travel to test ranges, partner institutions, and government sites is expected.
• Join a team that’s defining the future of intelligent maritime operations, building advanced autonomy capabilities that will operate in the most challenging real-world environments.
Citizenship Requirements:
Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Drug-Free Workplaces:
Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Benefits:
Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.
Highlights include:
Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
401(k) with employer contributions
Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
Wellness and employee assistance resources
Employee stock purchase opportunities
Short-term and long-term disability coverage
About Us:
Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 19,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in eight U.S. locations.
Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.