Staff/Principal Robotics Software Engineer

Job overview

The Staff/Principal Robotics Software Engineer role is onsite in San Francisco, CA, with compensation of $215,000–$305,000 per year. Aurelius Systems is a defense technology startup developing autonomous directed-energy systems for counter-UAS, with a San Francisco lab, Detroit manufacturing hub, and private field-test range. The engineer leads architecture across the robotics software stack and owns the path from prototype code to deployed software. The role supports reliable fielded systems through release processes, deployment practices, CI/CD, quality collaboration, and technical mentorship.

What you'll do

• Set architecture and technical direction for the robotics software stack
• establish release, packaging, and deployment practices for fielded systems
• build CI/CD infrastructure and support software organization scaling alongside QA
• mentor robotics software engineers and set code-quality standards
• align perception, controls, embedded, and electrical engineering teams
• take prototype code through deployment to customers or operators.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

robotics software engineer

staff/principal

robotics software

san francisco ca

aurelius systems

$215k–$305k/year

ros2

autonomy

perception

controls

ci/cd

fielded systems

defense technology

equity

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Competitive salary and equity
• medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 18 days PTO plus five sick days
• field-test travel
• daily lunches and office snacks
• e-bike and scooter stipend up to $500.

Why this role

Senior individual-contributor role requiring shipped robotics systems experience, deep ROS2 experience, and experience with CI/CD and formal software release and deployment. Core hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; work may intensify during demos or field tests, including nights and weekends.

About the employer

Aurelius Systems is hiring for this role. Industry: Custom Computer Programming Services. Sector: 54.