Head of Algorithm Engineering

Advanced Navigation - It's In The Name

Advanced Navigation is a global leader in APNT and autonomous system technologies. By leveraging capabilities in software-defined hardware, every solution delivers unrivaled capabilities and exceptional performance across land, air, sea and space applications where GPS is unreliable. 

Made possible with extensive research, testing and vertically integrated manufacturing, the company has progressed into deep technology fields, including robotics, inertial, photonic and quantum sensing, artificial intelligence, underwater acoustics, and GPS antennas and receivers. Customers choose Advanced Navigation for rapid product delivery and unmatched technical field expertise.

Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with research and production facilities nationwide and offices globally. Backed by KKR, In-Q-Tel (IQT), former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and  General David H. Petraeus (US Army, Ret.), Advanced Navigation supports AUKUS by collaborating with UK and US partners to drive innovation, fortify supply chains, and enhance allied resilience and interoperability in defense. #JoinTheAutonomyRevolution

About the role

We are seeking a visionary technical leader to join our engineering team as the Head of Algorithm Engineering. This is a pivotal role responsible for defining and executing the technical strategy for our core navigation algorithms and autonomy software. You will be the chief technical architect for these systems, leading a dedicated team of specialists to push the boundaries of performance and capability. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with extensive experience in architecting complex software solutions and a proven track record of leveraging AI and machine learning to solve real-world navigation challenges.

What you'll do

• Technical Leadership & Architecture: Serve as the ultimate technical authority for all navigation and autonomy software. Design, architect, and oversee the development of robust, scalable, and high-performance algorithms.
• AI & ML Implementation: Drive the strategy and implementation of AI and machine learning techniques to enhance our navigation solutions, from the research and development phase through to product deployment.
• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Lead, manage, and mentor a high-calibre team of software and algorithm engineers. Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with hardware, firmware, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance across our entire product range, from low-cost to high-end systems.
• Roadmap & Strategy: Collaborate with product and executive teams to define the long-term technical roadmap for our core software IP, ensuring it aligns with our strategic goals and market leadership in performance and time to market.
• Quality & Performance: Establish best practices for software development, testing, and validation to ensure our solutions meet the rigorous demands of our global customers in markets like North America, Europe, and Asia and compliant with company policies and relevant software standards.

Ideal Candidate Profile and Past Experience

• 10+ years of experience in software development with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or technical architect role focused on navigation, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Deep expertise in estimation theory, sensor fusion, SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), VIO (Visual-Inertial Odometry), and control systems.
• Proven experience in applying AI and machine learning principles to navigation and autonomy challenges in a commercial or defence environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring high-performing engineering teams.
• Exceptional ability to architect complex, real-time software systems.
• Australian citizens are desirable for security reasons, ADF experience is highly regarded and Veterans are encouraged to apply 
• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Any experience within the defence, aerospace, or autonomous vehicle industries is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with hardware-software integration and developing for embedded systems, a strong portfolio of relevant projects, publications, or patents and experience working in a high-growth, venture-backed technology company is beneficial but not essential.