Software Engineer IV

Description: Position Overview OKSI is seeking a Software Engineer IV to lead the design and development of advanced autonomous robotics systems for defense and aerospace applications. You'll architect real-time control systems, computer vision, sensor fusion, and mission-critical software while providing technical leadership across engineering teams. What You Will Do Robotics Systems & Architecture Lead architectural design of autonomous robotic systems, defining subsystem interfaces and integration strategies Design and develop real-time control systems for autonomous robots and vehicles Architect motion planning, path planning, and trajectory optimization algorithms Develop sensor fusion algorithms for localization, mapping, and situational awareness Integrate multi-modal perception systems (cameras, LiDAR, radar) with control and decision-making subsystems Optimize algorithms to meet real-time performance, latency, and robustness requirements Computer Vision & Perception Develop and optimize computer vision and object detection/tracking algorithms for robotic applications Implement perception pipelines for autonomous navigation and task execution Evaluate and integrate emerging computer vision and machine learning models Ensure perception systems meet reliability and latency requirements for mission-critical operations Software Development & Integration Develop production-grade software in C++, Python, and other applicable languages Design and optimize real-time software on Linux-based systems and embedded platforms Design real-time software interfaces with embedded systems, sensors, and actuators Implement distributed systems architecture for complex robotic platforms Lead system-level integration and end-to-end testing efforts Electrical Integration & Hardware Collaboration Collaborate with electrical engineers on power system design, sensor integration, and actuator control Develop firmware and software interfaces for motor controllers, power distribution, and sensor electronics Support electrical testing and troubleshooting of robotic hardware systems Evaluate and specify electrical components (sensors, actuators, embedded controllers) based on software requirements Ensure software architecture supports electrical system constraints and performance requirements Technical Leadership & Quality Provide senior-level technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams Establish and enforce coding standards, testing methodologies, and quality metrics Lead requirements derivation, tracking, and compliance assessment Develop comprehensive technical documentation, system diagrams, and architecture models Troubleshoot complex system-level issues and drive durable solutions Lead investigations into failures and performance anomalies Requirements: 7+ years software engineering in robotics, autonomous systems, or real-time control Expert C++ proficiency; Python and other relevant languages Strong robotics algorithms background (motion planning, control theory) ROS/ROS2 or equivalent real-time framework experience Embedded systems and real-time software development Matlab/Simulink and requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama) Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field Ability to obtain Department of Defense Secret clearance U.S. person status (export control requirement) Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Computer Science or Robotics Autonomous vehicle or UAV systems experience, basic electrical skills Machine learning and advanced computer vision for robotics Government or military robotics program background ITAR/export-controlled environment experience Compensation and Benefits $148,750 - $201,250 annually. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budget allocated for this role. Medical, dental, vision fully paid 3 weeks vacation Automatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages (no matching required) Educational assistance Relocation reimbursement In-office (Los Angeles) or remote work (United States) available (position dependent) Additional Requirements: You must have, or be eligible to obtain, a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance. You will be subject to government security investigations and must be able to access classified information. The inability to obtain a security clearance will result in you being ineligible for the position. ITAR Requirements To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here. We are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process. This employer participates in E-Verify.