Senior Emboddied AI Engineer (Centennial, CO)

At Orica, it’s the power of our people that leads change and shapes our futures. Every day, all around the world, our people help mobilize vital resources essential to progress. Established in 1874, we have grown to become the world leader in mining and civil blasting with a diverse team of more than 13,000 across the world. From the production and supply of explosives, blasting systems, mining chemicals, and geotechnical monitoring to our cutting-edge digital solutions and comprehensive range of services, we sustainably mobilize the earth’s resources. Orica has been recognized as one of the top companies for women to work for in the transportation industry by the Women in Trucking Association (WIT) in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

About the role

Orica is seeking a highly skilled Senior Embodied AI Engineer with deep expertise in field robotics, machine vision and machine learning, vision-language-action (VLA) models, system integration, and sensor fusion to lead the deployment of mobile robotic platforms into real-world field environments. This role focuses on end-to-end autonomy system architecture, hardware–software integration, and robust ROS2 middleware implementation for production-grade mobile robots. The successful candidate will bridge low-level embedded systems and high-level robotic autonomy stacks, ensuring reliable performance in challenging field conditions. This is a hybrid position based in our Centennial, Colorado office.

Responsibilities

• ROS2 System Integration: Develop and maintain ROS2-based robotic systems, including nodes, lifecycle management, and launch configurations. Integrate navigation, localization, perception, and control subsystems. Configure middleware, diagnostics, logging, and secure communications.
• State Estimation & Sensor Fusion: Design and optimize sensor fusion solutions using IMU, GNSS, odometry, LiDAR, and cameras. Develop localization and SLAM capabilities for GPS-denied environments. Support mapping, relocalization, and navigation system performance.
• Perception System Design: Develop perception solutions for obstacle detection, terrain analysis, and environmental awareness. Optimize real-time performance on embedded and edge computing platforms. Support deployment of AI/ML models and simulation environments for autonomous system development.
• Field Deployment & Validation: Lead system integration, testing, and validation for field deployments. Conduct HIL and system-level testing and troubleshoot integration issues. Establish reliability standards, performance benchmarks, and validation procedures.
• Embedded Systems Architecture: Design and integrate embedded hardware and software for robotic platforms. Interface sensors, actuators, and communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, Ethernet). Optimize system performance, reliability, and power efficiency.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with R&D, engineering, delivery, and operations teams. Provide technical guidance across robotics and autonomy systems. Mentor engineers and contribute to long-term technology strategy.
• Technology & Innovation: Foster innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Promote Orica's Charter and Values while supporting an inclusive and high-performing culture. Share knowledge and build strong partnerships across teams.
• Data Governance: Ensure compliance with data governance, cybersecurity, and SDLC standards.

Requirements

• Masters or higher degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
• Multiple years of experience in embedded systems development.
• Strong proficiency in Python and C/C++ for embedded and Linux-based systems.
• Extensive experience with ROS2.
• Experience integrating sensors (LiDAR, IMU, GNSS, cameras) and motor control systems.
• Solid understanding of real-time systems and communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet).
• Experience with Linux-based embedded platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson, NXP, STM32, TI, etc.).
• Proven experience deploying robotic systems in production or field environments.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Sim to Real VLM or VLA.
• Experience with mobile robot navigation stacks.
• Knowledge of SLAM, localization, and sensor fusion pipelines.
• Experience with containerisation (Docker) for robotics.
• Cybersecurity practices for embedded/robotic systems.
• Experience with computer vision and robotics model development.
• Experience with field robotics in harsh outdoor environments.

Pay

Compensation range: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 USD per year. Eligible for annual short-term incentive plan. Salary to be determined by the applicant’s experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits

• Medical/Prescription Drug: Three (3) plans to choose from.
• Dental: Two (2) plans to choose from.
• Vision: Two (2) plans to choose from.
• Health Savings Account.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Basic Employee Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance.
• Voluntary Employee/Dependent Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance.
• Company provided Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
• Company provided Employee Assistance Program.
• Voluntary Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness & Accident Plans.
• Voluntary Identity Theft Protection.
• Voluntary Legal Plan.
• 401(k) + Company Match.
• Company provided Maternity Leave.
• Company provided Bonding Leave.
• Accrued Paid Time Off.
• Paid Sick & Safe Time.
• Nine (9) Scheduled Holidays + Two (2) Floating Holidays.