Robotics Engineer (San Mateo)

Location: San Mateo, California, US
Recruiter: EVONA
Date posted: Sunday, December 28, 2025

Job Description:

?? Robotics Engineer (Forward Deployed) | UAVs, Aerial Autonomy | Remote (US)

Were working with one of the most exciting venture-backed robotics startups in the defense-tech space, building real-time autonomous systems that are deployed directly into the field and used by operators in live environments. Backed by leading defense-focused investors, this team develops mission-critical aerial autonomy software that integrates into next-generation defense platforms.

They are hiring a Robotics Engineer to join a small, high-impact engineering team. This role is ideal for someone who has built UAV or drone software hands-on, taken systems from early concept through prototype, and enjoys working directly with customers to shape real-world robotic systems.

What youll be working on:

• Designing and developing end-to-end UAV and aerial robotics software for defense-focused use cases
• Building and iterating on autonomous systems using C++, Python, and ROS
• Prototyping UAV capabilities, running flight tests, gathering operator feedback, and refining rapidly
• Integrating navigation, mapping, computer vision, and sensor systems into a unified platform
• Working directly with operators and external stakeholders to understand system behavior in the field
• Debugging, troubleshooting, and optimizing systems for reliability in real-world environments
• Collaborating closely with autonomy, hardware, and product teams from lab to deployment

What youll bring:

• Hands-on experience developing software for drones or UAVs
• Strong proficiency in C++ with solid robotics software fundamentals
• Experience working with navigation, mapping, or computer vision systems
• Familiarity with ROS and real-time sensor data pipelines
• Comfort operating without rigid requirements and iterating through trial and error
• A systems-level mindset, able to connect multiple parts of the robotics stack into a working solution
• Strong communication skills and confidence working directly with customers and operators

Bonus points for:

• PX4 or Ardupilot flight controller experience
• Startup or founding team experience with exceptional scope
• University robotics or drone competition teams
• SLAM, path planning, or perception integration experience
• Hands-on hardware or prototyping exposure

Why this role?

• Work on cutting-edge UAV autonomy with real-world deployment
• Join a fast-moving, VC-backed startup with significant ownership and impact
• Full benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and flexibility
• See your software used directly by operators in critical environments

This role is open to US-based engineers only.

US Citizenship or Green Card required (ITAR compliant).

Apply now or for more information, please contact Ciara Holmes at EVONA

Apply for this job on EVONA