Manager of Software Development – Subsea Robotics

Description
About the Role
We are developing a long-range hybrid electric subsea robot designed for dual-use applications, serving both commercial sectors and defense missions. We are seeking a Manager of Software Development to lead and contribute to the development of the software systems that control this advanced platform. This is a leadership opportunity on a high-impact, dual-use robotic system with real-world commercial and defense relevance.

We're seeking a leader who combines strong management skills with deep robotics software expertise. In this role, your primary responsibility will be to manage and grow a team of robotics software engineers, ensuring successful delivery of complex projects. At the same time, you'll provide technical direction on architecture, design, and best practices.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about enabling others to succeed, while maintaining technical depth to guide decisions and step in on critical software challenges. Join us and help shape the autonomy framework of a next-generation subsea robotic platform

Responsibilities Leadership

• Lead, mentor and manage a team of software engineers, supporting their technical and professional development.
• Drive architecture, code, and documentation reviews, and ensure high engineering standards.
• Provide technical direction on system design, architecture, and implementation choices.
• Coordinate closely with mechanical, electrical, and systems teams to ensure smooth integration and delivery.
• Oversee project planning, prioritization, and delivery - including acting as scrum master for your software team.
• Manage timelines, software quality, and deliverables for both internal stakeholders and field operations.
• Stay current on robotics software trends and guide adoption of new tools and frameworks.

Technical Development

• Oversee the software systems architecture and interface design of software modules for localization and mapping, navigation, sensor fusion, mission autonomy, and hardware interfaces within a Robot Operating System (ROS) based architecture.
• Support software testing in simulation, lab hardware in the loop, and live field deployments.
• Contribute to and improve Agile development processes and CI/CD infrastructure.
• As time permits, contribute to development through prototyping, debugging, or integration on high-impact tasks.

Requirements
Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship is required (due to work involving controlled defense-related technology).
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 6+ years of professional software development experience, with at least 2 years leading and managing a team developing embedded vehicle software.
• Deep knowledge of ROS, including hardware abstraction, communication middleware, and sensor integration for underwater, autonomous, or field robotic systems.
• Experience with systems-level design for autonomous vehicle control systems and system interfaces.
• Proficiency in C/C++, with hands-on experience in Python or Rust.
• Demonstrated experience with middleware, vehicle navigation, obstacle avoidance, autonomy stacks, and embedded systems.
• Proficient in Agile development and CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitLab CI, Docker, Jenkins).
• Familiarity with real-time control, fault handling, and autonomous mission planning in constrained environments.
• Familiarity with computer imaging systems such as stereo cameras, radar, LIDAR, or sonar.
• Experience deploying robotic systems in GPS-denied or unstructured environments.
• Comfortable working in Linux-based environments and with containerized software deployments.

Work Environment & Travel

• Primary work location: Cedar Park, TX (preferred).
• Travel up to 20% to Florida for in-water testing and field operations.
• Flexible hybrid work options (3 days a week in-office), when not engaged in fieldwork or integration tasks.