Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Liquid Robotics is seeking a Senior Embedded / Robotics Software Engineer to develop mission-critical software for autonomous maritime robotic systems. This hybrid role is based in the Jessup, MD and reports to our Software Manager. Our platforms operate in challenging ocean environments for extended deployments (3+ month missions), requiring exceptionally reliable and fault tolerant software.

Essential Responsibilities

• Derive requirements for, design, develop, and maintain reliable embedded software for long-duration autonomous maritime operations (90+ day uptime requirements).
• Integrate COTS and custom robotic components including servos and actuators, power management systems (batteries, solar charging), satellite radios and maritime communication equipment, and environmental and navigation sensors (GPS, IMU, depth sensors, cameras, acoustic sensors, etc.).
• Implement fault-tolerant architectures with watchdog systems, automated recovery, and graceful degradation to meet mission uptime and reliability goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including systems, mechanical, electrical, quality assurance, production, and product management to ensure integrated system performance.
• Work within a structured software development lifecycle combining Agile methodologies with V-model validation processes; participate in requirements, design, code reviews, and system integration testing.
• Develop and maintain device drivers, middleware, and mission code for ARM-based embedded Linux platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Tegra/Jetson, Raspberry Pi) in Debian-based environments.
• Design for real-time constraints, deterministic behavior on Linux, and power-aware sleep/wake strategies to maximize mission duration.
• Create and execute Software-In-Loop, Hardware-In-Loop, and on-device test methods; develop CI/CD pipelines, automated tests, and release artifacts to support multiple overlapping product lines.
• Troubleshoot and root-cause hardware/software interactions; capture diagnostic data and coordinate corrective actions across engineering disciplines.
• Produce and maintain clear technical documentation including design notes, runbooks, test plans, and procedures.

Key Attributes

• Deep systems thinker who can analyze, explain, and close the loop from sensors through actuators and human-in-the-loop components.
• Detail-oriented and methodical with strong software engineering and test discipline.
• Practical hands-on experience integrating and troubleshooting embedded hardware and sensors in harsh environments.
• Strong communicator, able to convey complex software and system behaviors to engineering, Manufacturing, and QA.
• Comfortable working cross-functionally and responding to integration, production, and field deployment priorities.