Senior Developer - AI/ML Autonomous Driving & Navigation
1 day ago
Melbourne
Job Description Senior Developer – AI/ML Autonomous Driving & Navigation Location: Onsite Employment Type: Full-Time About the Opportunity Our client is a cutting-edge defense and maritime technology company operating at the forefront of autonomous surface vessel development. They are seeking an experienced Senior Developer to join their software team and build out a suite of autonomy and control software for Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). The platform encompasses onboard vessel control components, ground-based user stations, and network-distributed components — all pushing the boundary of autonomous maritime navigation. This role focuses on machine learning, perception, navigation, path planning, sensor fusion, and real-time decision-making for autonomous platforms operating in dynamic environments. Position Summary The ideal candidate brings strong experience in AI/ML-based autonomy, robotics software, and maritime navigation systems — including COLREGs implementation and Contact Avoidance Behaviors — with the ability to move from algorithm design through deployment on embedded or real-time platforms. You will work across perception, controls, systems, simulation, and platform engineering teams to deliver robust, production-quality autonomous capability. Key Responsibilities • Design and develop software for autonomous navigation, including localization, mapping, perception, path planning, obstacle avoidance, and motion decision logic., • Build and optimize AI/ML models for object detection, classification, tracking, scene understanding, and behavior prediction., • Develop and integrate sensor fusion solutions using data from cameras, LiDAR, radar, GPS, IMU, and other onboard sensors., • Implement navigation and autonomy algorithms for structured and unstructured environments., • Collaborate with systems, controls, and platform teams to integrate autonomy functions into vehicle software architecture., • Develop software in C++ for real-time or near-real-time autonomy applications., • Create simulation and test pipelines for model training, algorithm validation, and system verification., • Support field testing, debug performance issues, and refine autonomy behavior based on real-world results., • Improve software reliability, safety, performance, and maintainability using sound engineering practices., • Contribute to requirements definition, technical planning, architecture reviews, and code reviews., • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in AI/ML and autonomy development., • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field., • 7+ years of software development experience with significant work in AI/ML, robotics, autonomous systems, or navigation., • Strong programming skills in C++., • Knowledge of AI/LLM training and deployment., • Experience with ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, or equivalent)., • Experience developing perception or navigation algorithms for autonomous systems., • Strong understanding of one or more of the following areas:, • Sensor fusion, • SLAM / localization / mapping, • Path planning / trajectory generation, • Computer vision, • Object tracking, • Reinforcement learning or behavior planning, • Experience with robotics middleware or autonomy frameworks such as ROS/ROS2 or equivalent., • Experience with message bus and microservice-based architectures., • Hands-on experience with real-world sensor data from LiDAR, radar, cameras, GPS, and IMU., • Familiarity with simulation tools and data analysis workflows., • Proficiency in Linux-based development environments, Git, CI/CD, and modern software engineering practices., • Strong debugging, problem-solving, and system integration skills., • Strong Python coding skills., • Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field., • Experience with autonomous driving, ADAS, mobile robotics, marine autonomy, UAV autonomy, or other safety-critical autonomous platforms., • Experience deploying AI/ML models to embedded, edge, or GPU-accelerated systems., • Knowledge of real-time operating systems or safety-critical software development., • Experience with Kalman filters, probabilistic estimation, occupancy grids, route planning, and mission planning., • Experience with synthetic data, digital twins, or simulation environments (CARLA, Gazebo, AirSim, or similar)., • Familiarity with safety, verification, and validation standards or processes., • Experience leading small technical teams or owning major autonomy subsystems. Technical Skills • Languages: C++, Python, • Frameworks/Libraries: PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV, ROS/ROS2, • Core Concepts: Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Sensor Fusion, SLAM, Path Planning, Computer Vision, Navigation, Localization, • Tools: Linux, Git, Docker, CI/CD, simulation and test frameworks, • Strong ownership and accountability., • Ability to balance research innovation with product delivery., • Excellent written and verbal communication skills., • Strong collaboration across software, systems, hardware, and test teams., • Technical leadership and mentoring capability., • Delivering reliable autonomy software that performs in both simulation and field environments., • Improving perception, navigation, and decision-making accuracy and robustness., • Reducing integration risk through disciplined software architecture and testing., • Helping mature AI/ML autonomy capability from concept to deployable product., • Serving as a senior technical contributor and trusted leader within the autonomy team.