Software Engineer IV

OKSI is seeking a Software Engineer IV to lead the design and development of advanced autonomous robotics systems for defense and aerospace applications. You’ll architect real-time control systems, computer vision, sensor fusion, and mission-critical software while providing technical leadership across engineering teams., * Lead architectural design of autonomous robotic systems, defining subsystem interfaces and integration strategies

• Design and develop real-time control systems for autonomous robots and vehicles
• Architect motion planning, path planning, and trajectory optimization algorithms
• Develop sensor fusion algorithms for localization, mapping, and situational awareness
• Integrate multi-modal perception systems (cameras, LiDAR, radar) with control and decision-making subsystems
• Optimize algorithms to meet real-time performance, latency, and robustness requirements

Computer Vision & Perception

• Develop and optimize computer vision and object detection/tracking algorithms for robotic applications
• Implement perception pipelines for autonomous navigation and task execution
• Evaluate and integrate emerging computer vision and machine learning models
• Ensure perception systems meet reliability and latency requirements for mission-critical operations

Software Development & Integration

• Develop production-grade software in C++, Python, and other applicable languages
• Design and optimize real-time software on Linux-based systems and embedded platforms
• Design real-time software interfaces with embedded systems, sensors, and actuators
• Implement distributed systems architecture for complex robotic platforms
• Lead system-level integration and end-to-end testing efforts

Electrical Integration & Hardware Collaboration

• Collaborate with electrical engineers on power system design, sensor integration, and actuator control
• Develop firmware and software interfaces for motor controllers, power distribution, and sensor electronics
• Support electrical testing and troubleshooting of robotic hardware systems
• Evaluate and specify electrical components (sensors, actuators, embedded controllers) based on software requirements
• Ensure software architecture supports electrical system constraints and performance requirements

Technical Leadership & Quality

• Provide senior-level technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams
• Establish and enforce coding standards, testing methodologies, and quality metrics
• Lead requirements derivation, tracking, and compliance assessment
• Develop comprehensive technical documentation, system diagrams, and architecture models
• Troubleshoot complex system-level issues and drive durable solutions
• Lead investigations into failures and performance anomalies

• 7+ years software engineering in robotics, autonomous systems, or real-time control
• Expert C++ proficiency; Python and other relevant languages
• Strong robotics algorithms background (motion planning, control theory)
• ROS/ROS2 or equivalent real-time framework experience
• Embedded systems and real-time software development
• Matlab/Simulink and requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama)
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Ability to obtain Department of Defense Secret clearance
• U.S. person status (export control requirement), * Master’s degree in Computer Science or Robotics
• Autonomous vehicle or UAV systems experience, basic electrical skills
• Machine learning and advanced computer vision for robotics
• Government or military robotics program background
• ITAR/export-controlled environment experience

Pulled from the full job description

• Tuition reimbursement
• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) 5% Match
• Dental insurance
• Relocation assistance, * $148,750 - $201,250 annually. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budget allocated for this role.
• Medical, dental, vision fully paid
• 3 weeks vacation
• Automatic company contribution to 401K - 5% of earned wages (no matching required)
• Educational assistance
• Relocation reimbursement
• In-office (Los Angeles) or remote work (United States) available (position dependent)