Senior Robotics Software Engineer I at ICON (Austin Texas, United States)
ICON· Austin Texas, United States·
Role details
Job description
ICON is looking for a Senior Robotics Software Engineer to join our Software team in Austin, TX. As a Senior Robotics Software Engineer, you will help develop and maintain robotic control software for all of ICON’s robotic systems. You will be responsible for developing high-performance C++ software to drive complex arm motions, integrating real-time sensor data, and ensuring reliable motion planning. This role is based at ICON’s Austin, TX headquarters, and will report to the Director of Embedded Software Engineering.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, develop, and optimize high-performance C++ software for controlling and coordinating large-scale robotic arms.
- Develop robust motion planning and trajectory generation algorithms to safely navigate industrial arms through complex workspaces.
- Implement real-time sensor fusion and state estimation algorithms (using sensors like IMUs, LiDAR, etc.) to improve arm localization and end-effector precision.
- Program robotic arm motions in coordination with other systems.
- Develop and maintain simulated environments and automated test frameworks to support continuous integration and system verification.
- Lead system integration and validation efforts across hardware and software.
- Participate in architecture decisions for controls and electrical systems, including component selection and standardization.
- Participate in design & code reviews to maintain consistency and high-quality output.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Masters Degree or higher in Software Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of professional experience in robotics software development.
- Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ (17 or newer) and Python within a professional robotics software development environment.
- Deep foundational understanding of robotic arm kinematics (forward and inverse), multi-body dynamics, and motion planning.
- Hands-on experience with robotic platforms, sensors, actuators, localization, perception, and control systems.
- Practical experience designing and optimizing sensor fusion and state estimation algorithms (e.g., Kalman Filters).
- Strong knowledge of autonomy algorithms, robotics frameworks (such as ROS), and simulation environments.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience programming industrial robots in high-level languages.
- Experience in formal control theory and linear algebra.
- A general understanding of how to manage redundant kinematic chains or stabilize dynamic systems.
- Proven track record of delivering products to end users and production environments.
- Familiarity with hardware design, prototyping, and manufacturing processes.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong analytical mindset to identify issues, propose innovative solutions, and make data-driven decisions.
- Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of performance.
ICON is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an innovative, inclusive, diverse and discrimination-free work environment. Employment with ICON is based on merit, competence, and qualifications. It is our policy to administer all personnel actions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting employees, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Consistent with the obligations of these laws, ICON will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Furthermore, as a federal government contractor, the Company maintains an affirmative action program which furthers its commitment and complies with recordkeeping and reporting requirements under certain federal civil rights laws and regulations, including Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended) and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (as amended).
Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit candidates through this application. ICON does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency submissions for candidates and will not pay fees to any third-party agency without a prior agreement with ICON.
As part of our compliance with these obligations, the Company invites you to voluntarily self-identify as set forth below. Provision of such information is entirely voluntary and a decision to provide or not provide such information will not have any effect on your employment or subject you to any adverse treatment. Any and all information provided will be considered confidential, will be kept separate from your application and/or personnel file, and will only be used in accordance with applicable laws, orders and regulations, including those that require the information to be summarized and reported to the federal government for civil rights enforcement purposes.
Why work at ICON
- Mission & Impact: The opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology that directly addresses the global housing crisis and has a tangible, physical impact. The "Earth and beyond" mission is a powerful motivator.
- Hands-On, Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Employees gain deep, practical experience across robotics, materials science, software, and field operations. Learning is accelerated.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Includes medical/dental/vision, mental health coverage, "Use What You Need" PTO, generous parental leave, 401K with Roth IRA, and employee stock options.
- Culture: Described as fast-paced, intense, and driven by a sense of urgency and ownership. Attracts builders, engineers, and operators who want to reinvent an industry.
- Work Policy: Roles are primarily based in Austin, TX (HQ), with some field positions in Miami, FL. The environment is largely on-site, especially for engineering, operations, and print roles.
- Considerations: The culture is also noted for high volatility, including a 25% workforce reduction in January 2025. Workload can be intense with long hours, and leadership is described as uneven by some sources. Candidates seeking stability and process maturity may find the environment challenging. builtin.com