Robotics Engineer

Job Title: Robotics Engineer (Mid-Level)
Location: Middle River, MD (Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-Time (Onsite). Includes outdoor work in varying terrain and weather, and travel 2–3 times per year for up to two weeks.

Salary: $110,000-$140,000 DOE + bonus

Position Overview:

MCFA is partnering with a defense research organization and leading their search for a Robotics Engineer to support intelligent robotics research. You’ll focus on software and hardware integration for proof-of-concept demonstrations and performance evaluation of autonomous behaviors on individual robots and teams of ground and aerial platforms. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and integrate a mobile-robot autonomy stack spanning perception, mapping and localization, navigation, control, and higher-level intelligence such as exploration and multi-platform mission management
• Deploy autonomy software onto ground and aerial platforms, and integrate sensors, compute, and software for lab and field missions (Ubuntu and/or RHEL)
  
• Plan, execute, and support robotics experiments, including field tests in controlled but sometimes austere environments such as desert and forest terrain
• Collaborate with ARL staff and university partners to refactor, optimize, and verify prototype algorithms
• Analyze experimental data, document code and system architecture, and prepare reports, briefings, and publications
• Support configuration, integration, and system administration on lab and field platforms as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, or a related field
• 3–5 years of robotics software engineering, autonomy, and/or robotic systems integration experience
• U.S. citizenship and an active U.S. SECRET clearance, or the ability to obtain one
• Hands-on ROS and/or ROS 2 development and deployment on Linux, including command-line tools and troubleshooting
• Proficiency in Python and C++ for robotics software, including CMake, Git, and third-party library integration
• Working knowledge of perception, SLAM/localization, navigation, and motion control, including platform constraints
• Experience integrating sensors and compute on robotic platforms (cameras, LiDAR, IMU, GPS, motion capture) and troubleshooting hardware/software interfaces
• Experience planning, executing, and reporting robotics experiments, including data logging and algorithm verification
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including code documentation, technical reports, and presentations

Bonus Points:

• Master’s degree with a robotics or autonomy concentration
• PX4, MAVLink, or similar flight/autonomy stacks; multi-robot or UAV–UGV teaming
• State estimation and control methods (EKF/UKF, MPC, LQR, or comparable)
• Computer vision, machine learning, or robot simulation (Gazebo, Isaac)
• Operator tools such as RViz or Qt dashboards; time-series data systems such as InfluxDB
• Linux+ / RHCSA or equivalent; prior robotics publications or technical reports

Total Rewards:

• Compensation is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, and applicable employment laws. The estimated salary range for this position is based on full-time status.

About MCFA:
MCFA is a trusted talent acquisition and advisory firm supporting construction, real estate, infrastructure, and public sector clients nationwide. We specialize in helping our partners attract high-impact talent to achieve operational excellence and long-term growth.

Salary: $91,000-$163,000 DOE + bonus