Autonomous Platform Engineer

About the Team

STR’s Analytics Division develops novel technologies to solve challenging national security problems through advanced analytics. Our team consists of passionate and motivated individuals with degrees in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, and data science. We use our expertise and creativity to take innovative ideas from conception to mature implementation in order to improve mission success of our customers.

The Collaborative Autonomy and Control (CAC) Group in the Analytics Division works to build software systems that solve critical problems in the areas of uncrewed system autonomy, multi-agent collaboration, resource management, and control. By leveraging expertise in machine learning, algorithms, model-predictive control, and software development, we build tools that support tactical mission planning and execution, autonomous reasoning, and more.

The Role

As an Autonomous Platform Engineer, you will work as part of a tightly knit team to design, develop, implement and test all aspects of complete autonomous platform hardware/software solutions.  You will provide mechanical and electrical engineering expertise to design hardware specs for platforms and payloads, lead the machining and assembly of the hardware elements, support test and analysis on physical performance, and provide maintenance of the deployed unmanned vehicle kits in both lab and field testing environments.  The ideal candidate will also provide support for software development, integration and test activities both for embedded hardware resources as well core autonomy mission planning software. 

This position is based in Woburn, MA, but will take advantage of STR’s flexible, hybrid environment – when the work does not require use of STR’s facilities, you are welcome to work remotely.

  Who You Are:

• Ability to obtain a security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government
• BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related technical field with 3+ years’ relevant experience
• 2+ years experience working with unmanned, autonomous platforms and payloads (ex. sensors)
• 2+ years experience with C++, Java, or Python
• Proven understanding of both the hardware and software aspects that make up the complete autonomous UAV packages
• Mechanical experience with the following:
• CAD
• System Layout
• 3D printing experience
• Electrical experience with the following:
• Power budget
• Standard data transfer buses (CAN, PWM, I2C, RS-422, RS-485, UART, etc.)
• Harness design
• Acceptance testing
• Field trouble shooting
• Software experience utilizing the following:
• Object-Oriented Programming principles
• Agile software lifecycle methodologies and tools, such as JIRA and Sonarqube
• Test-driven development methodologies
• A demonstrated ability to adopt new languages, libraries, and technologies

Even Better: 

• MS or PhD in a related technical field
• Mechanical/Electrical Experience:
• Vibration isolation
• Thermal
• Composite repair
• RF layout
• Experience in one or more of the following: motion planning, perception, localization, mapping, controls, and related system performance metrics.
• Experience programming for embedded and physical devices
• Multi-agent coordination of UxVs
• MAVLINK or other C2 protocols
• Unreal Engine modeling
• ROS
• DevSecOps and CI/CD tool chains
• Integration of complex software systems
• Constraint optimization algorithms
• Knowledge representation/ontologies
• Python
• Experience piloting UAVs, bonus for gliders
• Active Security Clearance

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.