Software Controls Engineer at Nauticus Robotics, Inc. in Webster, TX

Company Description

We are a leading subsea robotics company dedicated to developing cutting-edge autonomous and remotely operated underwater systems. Our team is composed of engineers and scientists passionate about pushing the limits of subsea technology to enable exploration, inspection, and intervention in some of the most challenging environments on Earth.

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a mid-to-senior level Software Controls Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in C++ and Python, with expertise in robotics frameworks like ROS. This role will focus on developing and optimizing control algorithms, integrating sensor data, and improving autonomy for subsea robotic systems. You will have the opportunity to develop, test and deploy software on new and existing hardware platforms working in real commercial environments at depths of up to 3km. If you thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and enjoy solving complex real-world challenges, we want to hear from you.

Job Description

DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develop and implement real-time control software for subsea robotic systems.

• Design, test, and optimize motion planning, state estimation, and control algorithms.

• Integrate sensor data (IMUs, cameras, sonar, etc.) into robotic control architectures.

• Utilize ROS for software development, simulation, and deployment.

• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and software teams to refine system architecture.

• Implement robust software solutions that adhere to industry safety and reliability standards.

• Support system testing in lab environments and field deployments.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, human-computer interaction, User Experience Design, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in software engineering for robotics or automation.

• Proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time and embedded applications.

• Experience with ROS and middleware communication (e.g., DDS, ZeroMQ, MQTT).

• Strong background in control systems, kinematics, and motion planning.

• Experience with integrating and processing data from sensors (IMU, sonar, cameras, etc.).

• Knowledge of Linux-based development and deployment.

• Experience with simulation environments (Gazebo, Isaac-Sim, or similar).

• Familiarity with software development best practices (version control, CI/CD, testing frameworks).

Additional Information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly to remain in a stationary position. The employee will be required to operate a computer and will consistently use other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. The person in this position needs to move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. as necessary.
• The employee must possess the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
• The employee must possess the ability to observe details at close range.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This job operates in a professional office environment and in industrial environments. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• This role may require domestic and potentially international travel of up to 10%.
• The performance of this position may also occasionally require exposure to the manufacturing areas, which may require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EXPORT CONTROL

In addition, Nauticus Robotics is a federal contractor required to adhere to the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 which governs the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  As a result, this position may include access to export-controlled information that is subject to US export control laws. Export control laws require employers to restrict access to export-controlled information or to obtain export licenses for non-U.S. person employees if their positions require access to information governed by ITAR. The ITAR defines a U.S. person means a person (as defined in §120.14 of this part) who is a lawful permanent resident as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) which includes certain temporary residents and refugees and asylees. Nauticus Robotics does not obtain export licenses for these positions.

EEOC STATEMENT

Nauticus Robotics is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, immigration status, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.