Robotic Software Engineer

About the role

Hendrick Technical Solutions is a dynamic and growing force within the defense industry. We are seeking a Software Engineer to contribute to the development of cutting-edge unmanned vehicles (UxVs) and next-generation electro-mechanical equipment. This role operates within a fast-paced, mission-critical environment, focusing on challenging and impactful projects that directly enhance national security.

Responsibilities

• Robotics Software Design & Development: Design, develop, and integrate production-quality, field-reliable software for our UxV platforms and robotic prototypes, from early concept through fielded capability.
• Software Development: Develop, implement, and optimize robotic control and autonomy software, primarily utilizing ROS2, Python, and C++.
• Hardware/Software Integration: Work hands-on with sensors, actuators, computer hardware, and end user devices to bring up and integrate systems. Confidently support electrical troubleshooting as needed to ensure reliable, field-ready performance.
• Subsystem Integration: Integrate adjacent robot components and subsystems - such as compute modules, BMS, chargers, related power/communications interfaces, - ensuring robust bring-up, reliable data exchange, and clean integration into the overall robotics software stack.
• Rapid Integration & Turnaround: Execute fast-turnaround integration projects - bringing up new capabilities quickly, iterating with urgency, and delivering dependable results under aggressive timelines.
• System Operations: Manage and maintain software repositories using Git, operate within a Linux development environment, and help establish disciplined development workflows (builds, testing, and release practices) that support reliable deployments.
• Problem Solving & Refinement: Apply a thorough approach to identify and solve complex technical challenges, continuously seeking ways to refine and improve products beyond initial specifications.
• Collaboration & Communication: Serve as a trusted partner within multidisciplinary teams, effectively communicating technical information, and producing high-quality, professional written work.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Embrace an entrepreneurial environment, demonstrating adaptability, calmness under pressure, and a willingness to commit to long work weeks, when necessary, balanced with flexibility for downtime. Understands the intersection of business development and engineering.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, robotics, electrical engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• 2-4 years of professional software engineering experience in a production environment (not solely personal projects), delivering reliable, maintainable code that will perform in the field.
• Experience in robotics, autonomy, or embedded/mechatronic products is preferred. Exceptional candidates with less experience will also be considered.
• Proficiency in Android development for robotics and various embedded computer solutions (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Jetson).
• Experience in ROS2, Python, and C++ with a focus on building/debugging nodes and sensor/actuator integration.
• Experience with front-end development and operator interfaces for tele-op and unmanned system control.
• Experience with augmenting workflow with AI coding tools to accelerate development cycles, improve product quality, and compress delivery timelines.
• Proficiency in sensor integration, including drivers, configuration/calibration, and using data reliably within a robotics software stack.
• Proven CAN bus experience: Ability to integrate, debug, and validate CAN-based devices and networks in a robotics environment.
• Proficiency in Git for version control and strong command of Linux operating systems. Hands-on experience with software quality practices (unit/integration testing, debugging, code review) and CI/CD workflows in a Linux environment.
• Highly independent performer, capable of defining technical roadmaps and managing personal deadlines from concept to delivery.
• Confident and articulate communicator for internal discussions and external presentations. Ability to represent Hendrick well in all interactions.
• Genuinely interested in learning and contributing to defense robotics. Consistently produces high-quality, professional written work.
• Very thorough in approach, consistently finding ways to refine products.
• Understands the intersection of business development and engineering.
• Experience with robotics simulation and tooling (e.g., Gazebo/Ignition) and using simulation to accelerate development and testing.
• Strong understanding of networking concepts in a robotics context, including IP layers.
• Proven track record in developing robotic systems in a high-reliability industry.
• Tactical & unmanned systems experience, specifically ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit), UGV/UAV autonomy, and custom operator interfaces.

Bonus Skills & Knowledge

• Experience with robotics simulation and tooling (e.g., Gazebo/Ignition) and using simulation to accelerate development and testing.
• Strong understanding of networking concepts in a robotics context, including IP layers.
• Proven track record in developing robotic systems in a high-reliability industry.
• Tactical & unmanned systems experience, specifically ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit), UGV/UAV autonomy, and custom operator interfaces.