> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2496467-principal-robotics-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2496467-principal-robotics-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Robotics Software Engineer - **Company:** BLUE RIVER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC - **Location:** Santa Clara, CA, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $174,000.0 - $305,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Clean Code Principles, Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Program Optimization, Software Quality, Computer Engineering, Continuous Integration, Software Design Patterns, Linux, Memory Management, Ethernet, Fault Tolerance, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Python (Programming Language), Kinematics, Machine Learning, Motion Planning, Software Architecture, Real-Time Operating Systems, Sensor Fusion, Software Deployment, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Software Systems, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Software Technical Review, Multithreading, Information Technology, Software Coding, C++14, Lidar - **Published:** August 25, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.bluerivertechnology.com/job/?gh_jid=8158060 ## About the Role * 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, with at least 4+ years in a Principal or Staff-level capacity within robotics, autonomous vehicles, aerospace, or heavy machinery automation. * Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ and Python within Linux-based development environments. * Deep hands-on experience with core robotics frameworks (e.g., ROS / ROS 2, CyberRT) and key domains such as motion planning, kinematics, trajectory generation, localization, perception, or control theory. * Demonstrated experience with multi-threaded C++ applications, basic IPC, and writing software that interfaces with physical hardware or sensors (e.g., LIDAR, cameras, IMUs, GPS). * Exceptional ability to zoom out to high-level system architecture and zoom in to debug complex hardware-software integration edge cases. * Strong capability to balance long-term architectural beauty with short-term shipping velocity. * Ability to build alignment across multi-disciplinary engineering, product, and leadership teams through technical excellence and clear communication. * Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Robotics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field. Preferred Experience and Skills * Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), low-latency system optimization, memory management, and real-time networking stacks (e.g., CAN, Ethernet). * Experience with physics simulation environments (e.g., Isaac Sim, Gazebo, Webots). * Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups and complex multi-sensor fusion pipelines. * Familiarity with safety-critical system design or functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262, IEC 61508). ## Description We are seeking a Principal Robotics Software Engineer to provide technical leadership and architectural vision on Blue River Technology's Robotics Team. In this role, you will lead the design, development, and execution of complex software systems for our autonomous platforms. Serving as a key technical authority, you will work across multiple Blue River and John Deere engineering groups to change vehicle safety behavior, control the vehicle, and access valuable data signals. You will guide architectural decisions, mentor engineers, and partner with hardware, perception, and product leaders to turn ambitious autonomy into robust, safety-critical production software., A combination, not necessarily all-inclusive, of the following: * Vehicle Control & Cross-Group Collaboration: Work across multiple Deere engineering groups to change vehicle safety behavior, control the vehicle, and unlock valuable data signals that improve machine intelligence, autonomy, and customer outcomes. * Technical Leadership & Vision: Drive the technical vision and software architecture across multi-quarter robotics initiatives, establishing design patterns and engineering best practices for the team. * System Architecture & Strategy: Architect, design, and maintain high-performance, fault-tolerant software systems for robotics (e.g., motion planning, controls, state estimation, spatial awareness, or fleet management). * Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner closely with Robotics, Perception, Machine Learning, Hardware, Systems Engineering, and Product teams to define software requirements, hardware-software interfaces, and system-level validation plans. * Code & System Quality: Champion software quality through rigorous coding standards, automated testing, continuous integration, and real-world software deployment protocols to ensure high reliability in production environments. * Mentorship & Growth: Guide, coach, and elevate senior, mid-level, and junior engineers through technical design reviews, clean code practices, and system-level troubleshooting. * Innovation & Technical Direction: Stay ahead of industry trends in robotics, AI/ML, dynamic controls, and real-time computing to continually evolve the robotics platform. ## Related Videos - [How to develop an autonomous car end-to-end: Robotic Drive and the mobility revolution](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/22-how-to-develop-an-autonomous-car-end-to-end-robotic-drive-and-the-mobility-revolution) - [Robots are coming into the wild! Full-Stack Robotics Engineers, be ready!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/479-robots-are-coming-into-the-wild-full-stack-robotics-engineers-be-ready) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [Robots 2.0: When artificial intelligence meets steel](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1452-robots-2-0-when-artificial-intelligence-meets-steel) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [Dev Digest 137 - AI'm not sure about this](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/485-dev-digest-137-ai-m-not-sure-about-this) - [What is Agentic Programming and Why Should Developers Care?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/625-what-is-agentic-programming-and-why-should-developers-care)