Embedded Systems & Robotics Engineer

MAG Aerospace

• 
  Fairfax, Virginia
  
• 
  

PERMANENT

Updated 09/02/2026

Job Description

Job Summary

Position Summary

MAG is staffing for an Embedded Systems & Robotics Engineer who will bridge the critical hardware-software boundary for autonomous tactical systems. Youll modify and enhance systems and solutions that operate independently in GPS-denied environments, from underwater vehicles to aerial swarms, while ensuring reliability in the harshest conditions.

US Citizens Only

Former US Defense Contractor / US Gov / US Military Experience Only

This is a Hybrid Position

• Remote mainly
• but as well on call to come into a MAG office when requested.
  We are seeking candidates who live in proximity to our corporate HQ in Fairfax, VA primarily but will entertain persons living near our satellite offices in:
  Aberdeen, MD
• Titusville, FL
• Newport News, VA
• Carthage NC
  Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  Primary Responsibilities
  Enhance or augment embedded software for autonomous vehicles (UGV, UAV, UUV, USV) to extend baseline capabilities
  Implement sensor fusion for autonomous navigation (LIDAR, cameras, IMU, sonar)
  Design control systems for robotic platforms and actuators
  Create hardware abstraction layers following

MOSA/SOSA

standards

Develop digital twin simulations for hardware-in-the-loop testing

Implement real-time operating systems (RTOS) and safety-critical software

Develop and verify safety-critical software in accordance with established standards and best practices

Design and fabricate custom hardware solutions using 3D printing and rapid prototyping

Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices using SysML/AADL

Secondary Responsibilities

Lead field testing and validation of autonomous systems

Support deployment and troubleshooting in operational environments

Create hardware test fixtures and validation procedures

Document MOSA compliance and interface specifications

Train operators on system capabilities and limitations

Requirements

Experience:

Required Qualifications

5+ years embedded systems and/or robotics development experience

Strong proficiency in C and C++ for real-time for resource-constrained systems

Expert proficiency and practical knowledge of Python for scripting, tooling, and rapid prototyping

Experience with

ROS/ROS2

for robotics development

Hands-on experience with autonomous vehicle platforms

Proficiency with CAD tools and 3D printing/fabrication

Understanding of control theory and path planning algorithms

Experience with hardware communication protocols (CAN, I2C, SPI, UART)

Familiarity with

MOSA/SOSA

standards and open architectures

Experience with simulation tools (Gazebo, MATLAB/Simulink)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with NVIDIA Jetson platforms for autonomous systems

Military/defense robotics experience (ROS-M, JAUS)

Hands-on experience with RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS, VxWorks) and/or embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot)

Knowledge of digital twin technologies and real-time simulation

Familiarity with DO-178C, DO-254, or similar safety standards

Experience with swarm robotics and distributed control

Understanding of SLAM and computer vision for navigation

Experience with environmental testing (MIL-STD-810)

Pilots license or experience with FAA Part 107 operations

Education:

Bachelors degree in EE, CE, ME, CS or related field

Clearance:

Must be eligible for Secret security clearance

US Citizenship required

Special Note What Makes You Successful Here

You can go from CAD design to functioning prototype in days

You understand autonomy from sensors to behavior planning

You apply systems engineering rigor to rapid prototyping

Youre comfortable with both lab development and field operations

You see MOSA as an enabler, not a constraint

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