Embedded Systems & Robotics Engineer

Position Summary

MAG is staffing for an Embedded Systems & Robotics Engineer who will bridge the critical hardware-software boundary for autonomous tactical systems. You'll modify and enhance systems and solutions that operate independently in GPS-denied environments, from underwater vehicles to aerial swarms, while ensuring reliability in the harshest conditions.

US Citizens Only

Former US Defense Contractor / US Gov / US Military Experience Only

This is a Hybrid Position - Remote mainly - but as well on call to come into a MAG office when requested.

We Are Seeking Candidates Who Live In Proximity To Our Corporate HQ In Fairfax, VA Primarily But Will Entertain Persons Living Near Our Satellite Offices In

Aberdeen, MD - Titusville, FL - Newport News, VA - Carthage NC

Primary Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Enhance or augment embedded software for autonomous vehicles (UGV, UAV, UUV, USV) to extend baseline capabilities
• Implement sensor fusion for autonomous navigation (LIDAR, cameras, IMU, sonar)
• Design control systems for robotic platforms and actuators
• Create hardware abstraction layers following MOSA/SOSA standards
• Develop digital twin simulations for hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Implement real-time operating systems (RTOS) and safety-critical software
• Develop and verify safety-critical software in accordance with established standards and best practices
• Design and fabricate custom hardware solutions using 3D printing and rapid prototyping
• Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices using SysML/AADL
  
  

Secondary Responsibilities

• Lead field testing and validation of autonomous systems
• Support deployment and troubleshooting in operational environments
• Create hardware test fixtures and validation procedures
• Document MOSA compliance and interface specifications
• Train operators on system capabilities and limitations
  
  

Requirements

Experience:

Required Qualifications

• 5 years embedded systems and/or robotics development experience
• Strong proficiency in C and C for real-time for resource-constrained systems
• Expert proficiency and practical knowledge of Python for scripting, tooling, and rapid prototyping
• Experience with ROS/ROS2 for robotics development
• Hands-on experience with autonomous vehicle platforms
• Proficiency with CAD tools and 3D printing/fabrication
• Understanding of control theory and path planning algorithms
• Experience with hardware communication protocols (CAN, I2C, SPI, UART)
• Familiarity with MOSA/SOSA standards and open architectures
• Experience with simulation tools (Gazebo, MATLAB/Simulink)
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NVIDIA Jetson platforms for autonomous systems
• Military/defense robotics experience (ROS-M, JAUS)
• Hands-on experience with RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS, VxWorks) and/or embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot)
• Knowledge of digital twin technologies and real-time simulation
• Familiarity with DO-178C, DO-254, or similar safety standards
• Experience with swarm robotics and distributed control
• Understanding of SLAM and computer vision for navigation
• Experience with environmental testing (MIL-STD-810)
• Pilot's license or experience with FAA Part 107 operations
  
  

Education

• Bachelor's degree in EE, CE, ME, CS or related field
  
  

Clearance

• Must be eligible for Secret security clearance
• US Citizenship required
  
  

Special Note

What Makes You Successful Here

• You can go from CAD design to functioning prototype in days
• You understand autonomy from sensors to behavior planning
• You apply systems engineering rigor to rapid prototyping
• You're comfortable with both lab development and field operations
• You see MOSA as an enabler, not a constraint