Robotics System Architect - Einhorn Defense

Role Overview:

Join our pre-seed startup as a Robotics System Architect and lead the development of our ground-based counter-drone robotics platform. We are building stationary defense systems that detect, track, and mitigate unauthorized drones in real time . This is a hands-on, mission-critical role where you will design and implement a low-latency robotics software architecture powering a network of sensors (cameras, radar, RF analyzers, etc.) and electromechanical countermeasures. As an early team member, you’ll have end-to-end ownership of the robotics stack – from real-time perception and control algorithms to hardware interface and edge computing integration – ensuring the system responds to drone threats within milliseconds (in mission-critical applications, even sub-millisecond delays can be catastrophic ). If you are a C++ expert passionate about architecting high-performance robotic systems, and you thrive in fast-paced startup environments, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

Architect and Implement the Robotics Software Stack: Design a robust, scalable software architecture spanning perception, decision-making, control, and actuation for our counter-drone system . You will lead development of core C++ modules and ROS 2 nodes that power real-time detection and tracking of drones.
Multi-Sensor Integration: Build and integrate real-time sensor processing pipelines for multi-modal drone detection. Work with cameras, radar, RF receivers, and other sensors to detect, classify, and track UAVs , fusing data for a comprehensive view of the target. Develop low-level device drivers and interfaces for sensors and actuators, ensuring reliable data flows and health monitoring .
Low-Latency Control Systems: Develop high-performance control algorithms and software for directing our countermeasure hardware (e.g. pan-tilt units, jammers, interceptors). Ensure ultra-low latency feedback loops from perception to actuation so the system can react to fast-moving drones in real time . This includes optimizing code for deterministic timing, managing thread priorities, and utilizing real-time OS features as needed.
Hardware/Software Integration: Define clear interfaces between software and hardware components. Work at the hardware/software boundary to integrate embedded compute platforms and electromechanical devices . You’ll collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, and RF engineers to incorporate new sensors or actuators, and handle bring-up of new hardware (sensor drivers, actuator control APIs, firmware communication).
System Architecture & Data Flow: Outline and implement the communication patterns (using ROS 2 or custom frameworks) that connect perception modules to decision logic and control outputs. Architect for reliability and fault-tolerance – e.g. state machines for modes of operation, fail-safes, and graceful degradation under real-time OS constraints. Ensure data pipelines are efficient and threads are synchronized for maximum throughput and safety.
Testing & Optimization: Develop testing strategies for the integrated system, including simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing. Profile and optimize system performance (CPU/GPU utilization, memory, network I/O) to meet strict real-time requirements. Diagnose and resolve performance bottlenecks or instability in the field , iterating on the design to continuously improve response time and robustness.
Best Practices & Mentorship: Establish and enforce coding standards and best practices suitable for a mission-critical defense system. This includes code reviews, documentation of the system architecture, and implementing monitoring/diagnostics for deployed units. Champion reliability, safety, and maintainability in the codebase . As the system architect, you will also mentor other engineers on the team, setting technical direction and ensuring high engineering standards across the robotics stack.

Required Qualifications

Expert C++ Skills: Strong proficiency in modern C++ (14/17/20) for high-performance robotics programming. You can write efficient, low-level code that interfaces directly with hardware and meets real-time constraints (robotics depends on real-time performance, so C/C++ are the de facto standard languages in the field ).
Robotics/Systems Architecture Experience: 5+ years of experience designing and developing complex robotics or real-time systems software. You have architected systems involving sensors, actuators, and distributed computing components, ideally in a context requiring low latency and high reliability.
Real-Time Systems Knowledge: Deep understanding of real-time computing principles and concurrency. Experience with real-time operating systems (RT-PREEMPT Linux, QNX, or similar) or writing software under strict latency deadlines. You know how to ensure deterministic execution and avoid issues (e.g. race conditions, priority inversions) in time-critical code.
Sensor and Hardware Integration: Hands-on experience working with a variety of sensors and hardware devices. You have written or worked with device drivers, performed sensor bring-up, and integrated hardware into software systems . Familiarity with sensors relevant to robotics or defense (cameras, LiDAR/radar, IMUs, RF sensors) and protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, etc.) is expected.
Control Systems and Robotics Algorithms: Solid grasp of control theory and kinematics/dynamics as applied in robotic systems. Experience implementing control loops for motors or servos, motion planning, or target tracking. You can tune controllers and filters to achieve stability and responsiveness in real-world conditions.
ROS 2 and Middleware: Proficiency with ROS or ROS 2 and its ecosystem. You can create ROS2 nodes, define custom messages/services, and utilize ROS tools (rviz, rqt, etc.) to expedite development. Experience using DDS or a similar publish/subscribe middleware for real-time data exchange is a plus.
BS/MS in a Relevant Field: Degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience. A strong computer science and engineering foundation is needed for this interdisciplinary role.

Preferred Qualifications

Real-Time & Embedded Expertise: Experience with real-time OS kernels or frameworks (e.g. RT Linux, FreeRTOS, VxWorks). Familiarity with techniques for writing real-time safe code (memory management, lock-free programming, thread scheduling) is highly valued. Likewise, experience optimizing code for low-latency execution on embedded CPUs or GPUs is a plus.
Edge Compute and Accelerators: Knowledge of embedded computing platforms and accelerators used in robotics/vision, such as NVIDIA Jetson, FPGAs, or DSPs. Experience deploying perception or control algorithms on resource-constrained devices or using hardware acceleration (GPU/CUDA, FPGA logic) for real-time processing would benefit this role.
Multi-Sensor Data Fusion: Prior experience in sensor fusion, computer vision, or radar signal processing. For example, integrating data from radar or RF sensors with camera feeds for target tracking. Familiarity with object detection/tracking algorithms or filtering techniques (Kalman filters, etc.) in a real-time context would be useful.
Defense or Safety-Critical Systems: Background in defense, aerospace, or other mission-critical system development. Understanding of the rigor required for reliable operation in high-stakes environments (testing, redundancy, security considerations) will help in this role.
Startup Experience: Previous experience in a startup or small-team environment. Comfort wearing multiple hats and adapting to quickly changing priorities is ideal . An entrepreneurial mindset and ability to build processes from scratch will serve you well.
Advanced Degree or Research Experience: MS or PhD in Robotics, Computer Engineering, or related field. Demonstrated research or project work in relevant areas (e.g. real-time robotic systems, autonomous vehicles, UAVs, control systems) is a plus, indicating depth of expertise.

Who You Are (Startup Mindset)

Ownership & Autonomy: You excel as a self-starter, taking full ownership of projects from concept to deployment. You can make architectural decisions and implement them with minimal guidance, and you feel accountable for the success of the system as a whole.
Adaptable & Resilient: You thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment . When requirements change or new challenges arise, you adapt quickly and maintain focus on the mission. Uncertainty and ambiguous problems don’t intimidate you – they energize you.
Hands-On & Collaborative: You’re not only a planner but also a doer. You enjoy writing code, testing on real hardware, and iterating rapidly. At the same time, you work well with others across disciplines, communicating clearly and aligning software with hardware and mission needs.
Mission-Driven: You are motivated by the impact of your work. Protecting people and critical infrastructure from rogue drones gives you a strong sense of purpose. You approach the problem with diligence and care, knowing that reliability and performance can be matters of public safety.

Join us and play a pivotal role in building a cutting-edge drone defense system from the ground up. As our Robotics System Architect, you’ll combine technical excellence in C++ and real-time robotics with visionary systems design to turn experimental hardware into a reliable, field-ready defense solution. If you’re excited by the challenge of integrating diverse technologies into a cohesive, mission-critical product – and doing so in an early-stage startup setting – we’d love to have you on our team. Apply today to help shape the future of drone defense!