The Autonomy team develops advanced autonomous capabilities for our aerial platforms, enabling safe and intelligent mission execution from takeoff to landing. We are seeking an Autonomy Robotics Engineer to design, develop, and deploy navigation, planning, and decision-making systems that operate reliably in dynamic and uncertain environments.
You will collaborate with perception, GNC, flight software, and hardware teams across the full autonomy stack — from simulation and algorithm development to flight testing and deployment on operational aircraft.
The ideal candidate combines strong robotics fundamentals with hands-on experience building and deploying autonomous systems on real-world robotic platforms. Experience with autonomous drones, PX4, and eVTOL aircraft is highly desirable.
Responsibilities
Autonomy & Path Planning
Design and develop autonomous navigation and mission planning systems for aerial robotic platforms.
Develop trajectory generation, path planning, and obstacle avoidance algorithms for dynamic environments.
Implement behavior planning, mission management, and autonomous decision-making frameworks.
Develop autonomous capabilities for waypoint navigation, target tracking, landing, and mission execution.
Evaluate and integrate state-of-the-art robotics and autonomy algorithms into operational systems.
Software DevelopmentDevelop production-quality software for autonomous robotic systems.
Implement autonomy algorithms in real-time embedded and Linux-based environments.
Optimize autonomy software for performance, reliability, and deployment on resource-constrained platforms.
Contribute to software reviews, testing frameworks, and continuous integration processes.
Hardware Integration & Flight Testing
Integrate autonomy software with flight controllers, onboard computers, sensors, and communication systems.
Support hardware bring-up, system integration, and debugging activities.
Conduct software-in-the-loop (SITL), hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), and flight testing.
Analyze flight test data and identify opportunities to improve autonomy performance.
Collaborate with hardware and flight operations teams to support deployment and field testing.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
Experience
2+ years of industry experience in robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace, or related fields.
Strong proficiency in C++ and Python.
Experience developing autonomy, navigation, or robotic control systems.
Strong understanding of motion planning, path planning, and autonomous decision-making algorithms.
Experience with robotics middleware such as ROS or ROS2.
Experience developing software in Linux environments.
Hands-on experience integrating software with robotic hardware systems and sensors.
Experience with simulation and testing frameworks for autonomous systems.
Experience with MATLAB and Simulink for algorithm development, modeling, and simulation.
Preferred QualificationsMaster's degree or PhD in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Experience with autonomous aircraft, UAVs, drones, or eVTOL systems.
Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or similar autopilot frameworks.
Experience developing autonomy for multicopters, VTOL aircraft, or fixed-wing platforms.
Knowledge of state estimation, localization, SLAM, and sensor fusion techniques.
Experience with trajectory optimization, model predictive control (MPC), or advanced planning algorithms.
Experience with NVIDIA Jetson, embedded Linux systems, or edge computing platforms.
Familiarity with Gazebo, Isaac Sim, AirSim, or other robotics simulation environments.
Experience supporting flight testing and operational deployments.
Why Pivotal
At Pivotal, you'll work on some of the most challenging problems in autonomy, perception, and intelligent aircraft systems. You'll have the opportunity to develop technologies that move rapidly from concept to flight testing and deployment, working alongside a multidisciplinary team of engineers pushing the boundaries of autonomous aviation.
Attributes aligned with Core Values
Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily operations, identifying and mitigating risks through assessments and training, encouraging open dialogue on safety concerns, and continuously improving protocols to ensure a safe work environment.
Puts customers at the center of every action by deeply understanding their challenges, delivering exceptional value, and striving to exceed expectations to support their success as our core purpose.
Actively seeks and values diverse stakeholder perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication—committing to shared decisions for the greater good.
Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes while aligning actions with a clear understanding of success at every level.
Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical best practices to overcome obstacles and drive progress.
Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support—balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.
Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA. Pivotal offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401k plans. Pivotal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pivotal does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Read LessWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Read LessAt Pivotal, we are revolutionizing the traditional CPA firm model. Unburdened by convention, we are growing a firm dedicated to meeting the distinctive needs of small and medium-sized businesses and their owners. Headquartered in Auburn, AL, and extending our services to clients nationwide, we specialize in providing advisory, accounting, and tax solutions on a fractional basis.
Our foundation rests on a few fundamental principles: assemble a team of passionate and skilled accounting, finance, and tax professionals, empower them to address our clients' challenges comprehensively, leverage technology to enhance client experiences and streamline processes, and, most importantly, engage with our clients on their terms.
This unique blend of talent, experience, and adaptability positions us as a pivotal member of each client's team. At Pivotal, we go beyond the norm to deliver exceptional service and contribute meaningfully to the success of every business we serve.
Job DescriptionAs a Bookkeeper you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day financial operations of multiple clients, ensuring their financial records are accurate and up-to-date. You will report directly to the accounting manager and work closely with other members of our Financial Operations team to provide exceptional service to our clients.
Job Responsibilities
Allocate and post financial transaction details to entity books using cloud-based accounting systems.Reconcile and balance all accounts (bank accounts, loan accounts, credit cards)Prepare financial statements and ad hoc reports as necessary (trial balance, income statement, balance sheet)Calculate and prepare sales tax returns and tax paymentsAssist with 1040 returns and business returns as neededProcess payroll and assist with client related questionsMaintain accurate and organized financial records for multiple clientsAssist with month-end and year-end closing processesCommunicate with clients and provide excellent customer serviceWork closely with the accounting manager and other team members to ensure timely and accurate financial reportingQualificationsWe offer competitive compensation packages, health benefits, and a collaborative work environment. If you're a self-starter with an interest in finance and accounting we invite you to submit your resume by clicking on the “I’m interested” button.
Pivotal Finance provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, or any other category protected under applicable law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
This job posting is being managed by Forrest Johnson Recruiting on behalf of Pivotal Finance.
Read LessWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Read LessWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Read LessWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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