Rugged Robotics is on a mission to empower the construction industry to build better by innovating new approaches to tough problems using automation. We are a fast-paced start-up environment where every employee takes on many roles and wears many hats. To help our customers to build better, we need to build the best team.
The software team at Rugged Robotics is responsible for prototyping, developing, and implementing software solutions that power the automation of our construction layout robots. As a CAD/BIM Plugin Engineer, you’ll build critical integrations with design tools like Revit and AutoCAD. These plugins will serve as both the entry point to our robotic layout data pipeline and as standalone tools to help users clean, validate, and optimize architectural models. Your work will directly impact how design intent becomes precise, real-world execution on the jobsite.
The Role
- Design, develop, and maintain robust plugins for Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD
- Build the software interface between CAD/design models and our robotic layout system
- Develop productivity tools that assist users in cleaning, validating, and correcting low-quality or incomplete BIM/CAD models
- Collaborate with robotics, software, and product teams to define plugin capabilities and data requirements
- Translate complex model geometry and metadata into structured layout data
- Explore opportunities to integrate AI/ML for semi-automated model cleanup and decision support
- Implement intuitive plugin UI/UX within CAD/BIM environments using WPF or similar frameworks
- Optimize plugin performance to handle large, complex design files
- Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code with test coverage
- Support internal teams and customers with plugin setup, onboarding, and troubleshooting
You Are
- Experienced with 5+ years of professional software development, with at least 3 years building plugins or automation tools for Autodesk Revit and/or AutoCAD
- Proficient in C# and .NET development, especially using the Autodesk Revit API and AutoCAD .NET API
- Familiar with BIM data standards (e.g., IFC) and CAD data formats (e.g., DWG, DXF)
- Comfortable building GUI components using WPF or WinForms
- Adept at navigating and manipulating large architectural or construction models
- Strong at debugging, performance profiling, and optimizing plugin behavior
- Passionate about usability and building tools that make complex workflows easier
- Comfortable working on cross-functional teams and communicating with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Confident in source control practices (Git), automated testing, and iterative development
Great to Have
- Exposure to BIM tools such as Blue Beam, Navisworks, BIM360, ACC, etc.
- Experience working with Dynamo, Grasshopper, or visual scripting tools for BIM
- Familiarity with Autodesk Forge APIs or Autodesk Construction Cloud
- Exposure to robotics, construction tech, or field engineering workflows
- Interest or experience with ML pipelines and model cleanup automation
- Background in working with 2D/3D geometry, spatial analysis, or mesh processing
- Knowledge of cloud-based plugin deployment or CI/CD automation for desktop applications
Perks
- A full time, competitive salary with equity
- Flexible paid vacation from day one
- Paid Parental Leave
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
- 401k Plan available
Rugged Robotics is headquartered in Houston, TX, in the vibrant neighborhood of East Downtown. This role is primarily remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere, but will require occasional travel to our Houston headquarters for key team meetings and project collaboration. These in-person visits help maintain strong team connections and provide opportunities for hands-on problem-solving and fast feedback. To ensure effective collaboration, candidates should have significant working hours overlap with U.S. Central Time.
Interested in Rugged Robotics but don't tick all the boxes? Don't see a role that meets your skills? Reach out, let us know how you think you can contribute to the team, and define your own position.
Rugged Robotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at our company. All qualified candidates will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or other protected legal status.
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What We Do
Founded by a registered P.E. and a NASA engineer, Rugged Robotics is a Houston-based, construction technology company, aimed at improving labor productivity through the introduction of robotics and automation.
Rugged builds hardware enabled solutions to real world problems and is developing a portfolio of robotic platforms for use on commercial construction sites. Each product they offer solves an existing pain-point, performs tangible work, and saves contractors time and money.
Rugged's current focus is tackling the challenge of field layout. Rugged is replacing the error prone, manual layout process with an automated rover that marks fully coordinated A/E designs directly onto unfinished concrete floors. Their solution delivers fast, accurate, detailed, and coordinated layouts, enabling fast and efficient installation.
