Unmanned Systems Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Unmanned Systems Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on expanding marine test capabilities to include autonomous surface vessel (USV) field testing. As the autonomy field engineer, you will be directly responsible for deploying, testing, and improving the autonomy software stack on the water. You will lead on-site test execution, diagnose issues in real time, and build tools that make testing faster, more reliable, and more repeatable. You will collaborate closely with the on-site marine test team and work remotely with the development team to ensure seamless integration of hardware and software for autonomous marine systems. This is a hands-on field engineering position suited for someone genuinely interested in autonomy and eager to build practical, real-world systems.

Responsibilities

• Build, deploy, and configure the onboard autonomy software stack on the vessel, including containerized deployment and setup of ROS 2-based systems.
• Plan and execute structured field tests of autonomy behaviors, covering navigation, perception, control, and sensor integration in both simulation (SITL) and on-water environments.
• Perform pre-mission checkouts, support launch and recovery operations, conduct live runs, and carry out routine data-collection campaigns on the water.
• Own data logging, telemetry monitoring, visualization, and replay using tools such as rosbag and RViz, ensuring data integrity for post-test analysis.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot autonomy, networking, and onboard software issues in real time during test events to maintain safe and effective operations.
• Perform first-line data reduction and analysis, producing clear test reports, debriefs, and demonstrations for stakeholders and the development team.
• Contribute to issue triage and root-cause analysis following field anomalies, and communicate findings back to the development team to drive improvements.
• Design, build, and refine tooling, test automation, and data pipelines that increase the speed, reliability, and repeatability of field testing.
• Develop a strong working understanding of the vehicle’s hardware and software as a fully integrated system, including sensors and control components.
• Coordinate closely on the water with the marine test team and collaborate remotely with engineers in other locations to align test execution and development priorities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering or computer science field, or equivalent hands-on experience in related disciplines.
• Hands-on experience with ROS 2, including working with nodes, topics, launch files, and bags, and the ability to debug a live autonomy stack.
• Strong proficiency with the Linux command line and experience in software debugging in a Linux environment.
• Practical experience with Docker, including building, running, and troubleshooting containers for deployment on embedded or field hardware.
• Working knowledge of version control systems, particularly Git, for collaborative software development and configuration management.
• Ability to independently bring up, build, deploy, run, and test software on hardware in the field with remote support but without constant supervision.
• Basic data analysis and visualization skills using tools such as Python, plotting libraries, and RViz for interpreting test results and sensor data.
• Clear and concise technical writing and reporting skills for documenting tests, issues, and outcomes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with autonomy, perception, and control concepts, as well as sensor integration for systems using GNSS/GPS, IMU, cameras, LiDAR, and sonar.
• 1-3 years of experience with Python and ideally some C++ for ROS 2 development, scripting, and tooling.
• Prior field-robotics or field-test experience in marine, ground, or air domains, including exposure to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SITL) testing.
• Comfort and familiarity with marine and boating environments, particularly working on small craft.
• Exposure to geospatial and charting tools and data, such as NOAA ENC charts, GIS platforms, or MapLibre.
• Interest in maritime and boat-building applications, and enthusiasm for research-oriented work in autonomous marine systems.
• Motivation to transition from contract work to a longer-term role, contributing to the growth of advanced marine autonomy capabilities.

Work Environment

This position is based on-site in Edgewater at a facility located on the Intracoastal Waterway, providing direct access to the marine environment for regular on-water testing. You will work within a small, focused team of approximately seven people at the facility, collaborating daily with a marine test crew that includes a captain and mechanical and sensor support staff. In addition, you will coordinate closely with a group of engineers based in Silicon Valley who provide remote development and technical support. The environment is highly hands-on and field-oriented, involving frequent time on the water, dockside operations, and close interaction with vessels, sensors, and onboard computing systems. Work typically takes place in a mix of office, lab, and outdoor marine settings, with a practical, safety-conscious dress code suitable for boat operations and field testing.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Palm Bay, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $52.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Palm Bay,FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

About Actalent

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The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.