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9 Mothers Defense develops AI-enabled autonomous counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) point-defense platforms designed to detect, track, and neutralize drone threats. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas.
You will design and implement the physical software control systems for interceptor platforms. This is a critical role: the accuracy of control theory directly determines the success of every high-speed maneuver in combat scenarios.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and implement high-bandwidth software control loops and advanced control algorithms (e.g., PID control) to ensure vehicle stability and enable high-speed, precise maneuvers under dynamic load.
- Write high-quality, efficient code (primarily Rust, C, or C++) to control and manage actuators, motor drivers (via CAN bus), and sensors on a real-time operating system (RTOS).
- Integrate and fuse sensor data from cameras and IMUs (using methods such as EKF/UKF) on embedded systems (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson) to achieve reliable, real-time state estimation.
- Act as the final link in the autonomy chain, translating tracking output from the computer vision system into reliable motor commands that accurately steer the interceptor.
- Define, build, and maintain Python tools for calibration, logging, and CI/CD, ensuring rapid iteration and deployment.
You will work in a brand-new lab fully optimized for rapid prototyping, equipped with NVIDIA Jetsons, high-end oscilloscopes, and 3D printers. You report directly to the founders with autonomy to make technical decisions. The company offers meaningful early equity, 100% employer-paid medical/dental/vision premiums, unlimited PTO, and relocation assistance.
Requirements:
- Strong grasp of PID control, motor drivers, CAN bus, and RTOS fundamentals; expertise in designing control and performance for robotics applications.
- Hands-on experience building embedded robotics systems; proficiency in Rust, C, or C++ for speed and direct hardware interaction.
- Experience with embedded platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson and camera pipelines; skilled in managing oscilloscopes, logic/CAN analyzers, and basic rework.
- U.S. Citizenship and ability to pass a background check.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with ROS2, DDS, or similar middleware.
- Model-predictive or adaptive control expertise.
- PCB design and EMC awareness.
- Safety-critical workflow experience.
- Prior defense startup experience.
- Security clearance or ability to obtain one.
- Passion for building robots or engineering projects as a hobby.
