Collaborative Autonomy Engineer - Destin, FL

at  EpiSci

Are you ready to take the helm in shaping the future of tactical mission autonomy, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with trailblazers who are turning cutting-edge dreams into tangible reality? As a vital member of the growing EpiSci team, your influence will be immediate and transformative as we propel towards a future where security and autonomy unite in unprecedented ways.
EpiSci isn’t just another company; we’re a rapidly ascending force of innovation, forging ahead with next-gen tactical mission autonomy technologies that span defense, aerospace, and commercial domains. At our core, we wield the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, autonomy algorithms, wireless communications, and digital signal processing to surmount the most formidable national security challenges. Our Tactical AI prowess is nothing short of extraordinary, offering robustness, dependability, and a rapid adaptability that thrives on the frontlines of emerging missions and obstacles. Picture developing AI behaviors to fill the skies with swarms of autonomous UAVs, connected with state-of-the-art fusion algorithms.
We understand and cherish the richness that diverse perspectives and backgrounds bring to the table. At EpiSci, we wholeheartedly invite every exceptional individual, regardless of their journey, to join our ranks and become a driving force behind the secure and autonomous world of tomorrow. Your future at EpiSci awaits—ignite your potential and let’s redefine what’s possible, together.
Don’t meet every single requirement? At EpiSci, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workforce, so if you’re excited about this role but your previous experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway! You may be the perfect candidate for this or another role at EpiSci.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education Requirements:
• MS or PhD in Robotic Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Optimization, or equivalent OR 3 years of relevant experience designing multi-agent autonomy

Technical Requirements:

• Understanding of Multi-Agent Algorithms including sensor localization and mapping (SLAM) and task allocation.

• • Deep understanding of behavior logic frameworks (state machines, behavior trees, hierarchical task networks).
• Experience with Swarm or Multi-agent Systems and Optimization.
• Experience with modern C++ development (2020, 2017), CMake, Python and Bash.
• Experience with containerization (Docker).
• Experience using git, Visual Studio Code, GitLab and artifact registries such as Artifactory.
• Comfortable in both Linux and Windows.
• Prior experience with remote software development, ability to handle and process large datasets, and learn new software and algorithms as needed with little supervision.

Additional Requirements:

• Passion for solving complex problems with little supervision in a fast-moving team.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, frequently changing, and sometimes ambiguous environment.

• Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills with demonstrated ability to collaborate across multiple teams.

Travel Requirements

• Must be willing to travel as projects requires, usually for SW/HW integration and/or demonstrations. Estimated average travel is 2-5 days every other month (10-20%).

• Interested candidates should also inquire about relocation assistance to EpiSci facilities near Destin, FL.

Security Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen (MANDATORY)
• Must be eligible for a U.S. SECRET security clearance with Special Access Program (SAP) eligibility (MANDATORY)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education Requirements:
• MS or PhD in Robotic Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Optimization, or equivalent OR 5 years of relevant experience designing multi-agent autonomy

Technical Requirements:

• Understanding of Multi-Agent Algorithms including Ant-Colony Optimization, Swarm Particle Optimization, Stigmergy, and Wolf Pack Algorithm
• Expertise in machine learning techniques, including reward functions, supervised learning, unsupervised learning and deep reinforcement learning.
• Proficiency in modern C++ (2020, 2023), CMake, Conan.
• Data visualization in Python (matplotlib, bokeh, holoviews, etc…)
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and familiarity with CI/CD best practices.
• Experience working with edge computing and real-time systems.
• Familiarity with Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), including integration and test experience on common COTS hardware devices (e.g., Nvidia Jetson, Xilinx RF/MPSOC, Raspberry Pi5).
• Experience working projects related to national security for one or more government agencies.
• Interdisciplinary background, with evidence of continual learning.

• Willingness to relocate to EpiSci facilities near Destin, FL, Washington DC, or San Diego, CA.

Security Requirements

• Current U.S. SECRET security clearance with Special Access Program (SAP) eligibility.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $120,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $190,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. EpiSci is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.
EpiSci is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We value our differences and we’re excited to learn what you can add to our team.
Don’t meet every single requirement? At EpiSci, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workforce, so if you’re excited about this role but your previous experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway! You may be the perfect candidate for this or another role at EpiSci

• You will be part of a team of engineers developing collaborative autonomy behaviors for large teams of heterogenous autonomous vehicles, across different domains (e.g., surface, air), with different sensor suites (e.g., camera, radar) that work together to accomplish complex mission vignettes. Your team will continuously add capability and demonstrate the solution to customers in real-world scenarios on a variety of HW platforms. Your responsibility will primarily be designing and developing multi-agent, multi-domain behavioral autonomy algorithms, and you will work with the team to make the entire system successful.
• Adapt and develop cutting edge, modular, and agile autonomy capabilities in the fields of optimization, persistent search, and coordinated behaviors, applicable to a diverse set of Defense problems.
• Write software that operates real autonomous aircraft systems (Group 1-5 UAS) as they accomplish tactical problems. The autonomy stack is comprised of a component-based architecture, and development will include robust modeling and simulation, software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop and flight test.
• Troubleshoot and debug data sets generated during live, virtual, or constructive swarm autonomy testing on Group 1-5 UxS including complex behavioral autonomy system performance and robust, explainable operations.
• Contribute novel engineering ideas, algorithms and concepts for new and existing research and development projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, domain experts, prior DoD warfighters, and program managers to build software solutions for military missions.
• Effectively communicate solutions to a diverse team of engineers, program managers, executives, and sponsors.