Senior Autonomy Engineer

Position Summary

Blue Ops is seeking a highly skilled Senior USV Autonomy Engineer (USA) to lead the design, integration, deployment, and evolution of autonomy capabilities for Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs). Oversee autonomy software and hardware integration, sensor fusion, mission planning, control, and field testing. Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, scalable, and safe autonomy systems supporting maritime, defense, and commercial programs. Support the roadmap toward AI-enabled, fully autonomous maritime operations. Leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to advance situational awareness, navigation, and decision-making.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and validate autonomous behaviors for USV platforms.
• Develop and integrate sensor-driven situational awareness capabilities for real-time perception, obstacle avoidance, and decision-making.
• Adapt and optimize autonomy stacks for U.S. regulatory, environmental, and safety requirements.
• Lead installation, calibration, and testing of autonomy systems on production and demonstration vessels.
• Support simulation-based development, software architecture design, and scalability across multiple platforms.
• Serve as the technical liaison between autonomy developers, marine engineering teams, systems integrators, and field operations.
• Provide mentorship and training
• to engineering teams on installation, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Advance development of COLREG-compliant navigation and collision-avoidance behaviors.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR/EAR, cybersecurity, and U.S. defense technology transfer regulations.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, or Marine Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in autonomy, robotics, or intelligent systems engineering. 
• Strong understanding of marine platforms, navigation systems, control architectures, and sensor fusion.
• Proficiency in C++, Python, and robotics simulation environments such as ROS, Gazebo, and SIL/HIL.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally for integration, sea trials, and customer support.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Active Secret (or higher) security clearance preferred.
• Master’s or PhD with at least 7 years of related experience.
• Direct experience with Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV) or autonomous maritime systems.
• Experience developing or validating COLREG-compliant navigation systems.
• Familiarity with integration and operations aboard military host vessels.
• Experience with AI/ML algorithms, mission planning, and data-driven decision frameworks.
• Experience implementing DevSecOps or CI/CD pipelines for mission-critical autonomy software.
• Experience in ITAR-controlled or defense environments.
• Experience with SWARM autonomy or multi-vehicle coordination technologies.
• Proven success transitioning autonomy research into deployed field systems.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and poten