Useful Automations Robotics Software Engineer Christiansburg, VA · Full time Company website

Apply for Robotics Software Engineer

Useful Automations tackles complex, real-world problems by delivering autonomous robotic solutions to the unstructured environments of the construction, mining, and agriculture industries. We partner directly with our customers to bridge the gap between cutting-edge software and rugged physical hardware, ensuring our technology reliably performs in the dirt where it matters most. Everything we accomplish is driven by our fast-paced startup culture and a foundational team of hands-on engineers who are hungry, humble, and people smart.

We are seeking a Robotics Software Engineer to develop software for autonomous construction, mining, and agriculture vehicles. As an individual contributor, you will drive the technical development of heavy-duty autonomous platforms.

Your primary focus will be software architecture, AI/ML implementation, and system development, while also bridging the gap between software and hardware to ensure seamless integration. You will work on complex machines where performance, precision, and reliability are paramount.

Key Responsibilities

• Software Architecture & Development: Design, write, and maintain robust, high-performance code in C/C++ and Python for autonomous heavy machinery.
• AI/ML Implementation: Deploy AI/ML models and algorithms for perception, navigation, and decision-making in rugged, dynamic environments.
• Systems Integration: Work closely with hardware components (sensors, actuators, compute units) to ensure smooth integration and real-world performance.
• Robotics Middleware: Architect and build software solutions for complex robotics applications, primarily in Linux environments.
• System Design: Actively contribute to coding standards, system architecture, and collaborative technical decision-making.
• Testing & Validation: Deploy and troubleshoot code directly on physical heavy machinery, validating autonomous behavior in field conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years of hands-on, professional robotics software engineering experience.
• Education: We prioritize capabilities over credentials. We require a skill and knowledge level equivalent to a Master’s degree or higher in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field, but have no strict minimum degree requirement. 
• Programming Languages: Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ and Python.
• Tech Stack: Deep, hands-on development experience in Linux environments.
• AI/ML: Proven track record of deploying AI/ML solutions on physical robotic systems.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for documenting complex systems, collaborating cross-functionally, and articulating technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Bonus / Preferred Qualifications

• ROS/ROS2: Hands-on experience architecting and building solutions within ROS/ROS2 frameworks.
• Fleet Telemetry & Triage: Experience deploying solutions across vehicle fleets, utilizing telemetry and data-driven triage to identify, prioritize, and resolve field anomalies.
• Real-Time & Deterministic Systems: Experience designing, developing, and optimizing deterministic software for real-time control in dynamic environments.
• Customer Collaboration: Proven ability to work directly with external clients, translating operational needs into technical requirements and providing engineering support.
• Agentic Workflows: Familiarity with agentic coding and AI-driven development tools (e.g., LLM-assisted workflows) to accelerate code generation, testing, and system optimization.
• Embedded Systems: Experience with embedded development, bringing software close to the metal.
• Safety-Critical Systems: Experience developing software for safety-critical applications (e.g., heavy machinery, aerospace, automotive) and familiarity with safety standards.

Why Join Us?

• People: Join a team of dedicated and passionate problem solvers who strive to be Hungry, Humble, and People Smart.
• High Impact: Write software that controls heavy-duty construction, mining, and agriculture vehicles.
• Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy the balance of remote work and hands-on, on-site time with complex robotic hardware in the Blacksburg area.
• Innovation: Work at the bleeding edge of AI and industrial automation without the red tape of a large corporation.