Lead Robotics Engineer, Autonomy

The role

You will own the autonomy stack end to end for ruggedized, field-deployable UxS charging infrastructure. This role involves setting architectural direction, mentoring engineers, and driving systems from concept through field deployment.

What you will do

• Architect and own the full autonomy stack across autonomous aerial platforms and robotic manipulators.
• Lead integration and tuning of flight control software.
• Design, develop, and bring up robotic arm systems.
• Develop computer vision and sensor-fusion pipelines for navigation and docking tasks.
• Work with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Establish standards for simulation, testing, and safe field operation.
• Mentor a small team of robotics and software engineers.
• Lead prototype bring-up, testing, and refinement in lab and field environments.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Robotics, EE/ME, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience building robotics/autonomy systems.
• 2+ years in a technical lead or team-lead capacity on mission-critical or fielded systems.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Solid real-time and embedded systems fundamentals.
• Depth across perception/CV, state estimation, motion and path planning, and control.
• Hands-on experience with flight control stacks and tuning controllers on real hardware.
• Experience designing and deploying 6DOF manipulation systems.
• Proficiency with ROS/ROS2 and robotics simulation tooling.
• Track record of shipping autonomous systems to the real world.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Nice to have

• Robot learning (imitation/RL, VLA models)
• CUDA/edge deployment
• Experience operating in rugged or contested environments
• Active security clearance

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees
• 401(k)
• Development stipends
• Unlimited PTO
• Two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year
• Fertility benefits

Before you apply

• Candidate must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

About the company

Valinor is a defense and government tech company focused on solving unaddressed problems. It was founded in 2024 and is backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Red Cell Partners.