Staff Robotics Engineer 2

ARA is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Staff Robotics Engineer 2 - Robotics Simulation and Embedded Systems Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in computer science and C++ development, coupled with hands-on experience in robotics, electronics, and PCB design. This role involves developing robust C++ software for both virtual simulation and real-world embedded hardware, from the circuit board to the high-level control systems. This position is located in San Antonio, TX. US Citizen required with ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• C++ Software Development: Design, implement, and optimize high-performance, real-time C++ code for embedded systems, robotics control, and simulation infrastructure.
• Modeling and Simulation: Create, maintain, and optimize virtual models and simulation environments to test, validate, and refine robotic systems and algorithms before physical deployment.
• Robotics Integration: Develop software frameworks (e.g., ROS/ROS2) and algorithms for controlling and integrating various robotic subsystems, including sensors, motor controllers, and actuators.
• PCB and Electronics Design: Collaborate with hardware teams to design, prototype, and debug printed circuit boards (PCBs) for embedded systems. This includes schematic capture, layout, and component selection.
• Hardware-Software Integration: Be the bridge between software and hardware. Participate in board bring-up, write firmware, and troubleshoot complex system issues across hardware and software interfaces.
• Data Analysis: Analyze data from both simulations and physical hardware to optimize performance and debug system behavior.

Required Experience And Expertise Include

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Programming Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ (C++11/14/17 or higher) for embedded and real-time systems.
• Robotics Experience: Demonstrated experience in robotics software development, including motion planning, perception, and control systems.
• Simulation Skills: Experience developing or working with simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, Unity, Unreal Engine) for robotics applications.
• Electronics Knowledge: Hands-on experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers (e.g., ARM), and communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI, CAN bus).
• PCB Design Experience: Practical knowledge of PCB design principles and experience with design tools like Altium Designer, KiCad, or Eagle.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose issues across complex hardware and software systems.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with hardware description languages (HDLs) such as Verilog/System Verilog.
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) like FreeRTOS or VxWorks.
• Experience with hardware integration in a production environment.
• Portfolio showcasing hands-on projects involving C++ programming, robotics, and PCB design.

About ARA
ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,300 professionals and continues to grow.

ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide expertise across a broad range of engineering and science technologies. Our Better Fuels Group develops and deploys innovative fuels technologies, converting waste products to renewable fuels, and creating high value products for a sustainable future. ARA employs traditional refinery equipment and novel water-based technologies to make fuels and chemicals, including sustainable jet fuel that meets petroleum specifications without blending and diesel fuel that is virtually indistinguishable from petroleum.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. We realize that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company's success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience.