Senior Robotics Engineer
About this role
9 Mothers is hiring a hands-on Senior Robotics Engineer to join a small, fast-moving, onsite team in Austin, TX to design the physical control systems that enable high-speed interception maneuvers. This role sits at the intersection of control theory, embedded software, and real-world robotics and directly affects mission-critical system performance against emerging threats.
What you'll do
- Design and implement the physical control systems — the “body” — for interceptor platforms.
- Develop high-bandwidth control loops and advanced control algorithms (e.g., PID) to ensure vehicle stability and precise high-speed maneuvers.
- Write high-quality, efficient embedded code (primarily Rust, C, or C++) to manage actuators, motor drivers (via CAN), and sensors on RTOS.
- Integrate and fuse camera and IMU data (e.g., EKF/UKF) on embedded platforms like NVIDIA Jetson for reliable, real-time state estimation.
- Translate computer-vision tracking output into reliable motor commands that steer the interceptor.
- Build and maintain Python tools for calibration, logging, and CI/CD to support rapid iteration and deployment.
- Work onsite in Austin, TX as a full-time member of a small engineering team focused on field-ready capability.
What 9 Mothers is looking for
- 6+ years of relevant experience in robotics, controls, or embedded systems.
- Strong control theory fundamentals with expertise in PID, model-predictive or adaptive control, and performance tuning for robotics.
- Proficiency in Rust, C, or C++ for embedded, low-latency hardware interaction.
- Deep experience with embedded platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson), camera pipelines, IMUs, and sensor fusion techniques (EKF/UKF).
- Hands-on knowledge of motor drivers, CAN bus, RTOS, and ROS2/DDS or similar middleware.
- PCB design familiarity and EMC awareness plus experience with scopes, logic/CAN analyzers, and basic rework.
- Safety-critical workflow experience and prior defense startup or mission-driven product work.
- U.S. citizenship and ability to pass a background check, with security clearance or ability to obtain one.
- A demonstrated passion for building robots or engineering projects outside of work.
Company at a glance
9 Mothers Defense develops fast, AI-powered counter-small UAS systems to detect, track, and intercept Group 1/sUAS threats in real time. An Austin, Texas-based team builds robots, sensors, and embedded software (Python and Rust) across vision, acoustics, radar, and control.
Top Benefits
- Meaningful Early Equity: You aren't just an employee; you are a foundational owner, and your contributions drive the value of your stake in the company.
- 100% Employer-Paid Premiums: We cover 100% of your medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums and cover 50% of healthcare premiums for your dependents.
- Unlimited PTO: We value results, not clock-watching, and allow you to take the time you need to stay sharp and recharge.
- Relocation Assistance: If you’re not in Austin yet, we’ll help you relocate to make your transition to the Silicon Hills seamless.
What happens next
Skip the application pile. I get you in front of the people who decide.
Confirm the fit
A few questions to make sure this role is the right shape for you. Two minutes.
I pitch you to the company
I write the intro, send it to the founder, and handle the back-and-forth.
A meeting lands on your calendar
When the company wants to meet, I get the call on your calendar. You just show up.
Culture & values
The Builder's Playground: Work in a brand-new lab fully optimized for rapid prototyping, equipped with NVIDIA Jetsons, high-end scopes, and 3-D printers.
We are a team of hackers, engineers, and mission-driven builders who value field-ready capability over polished slide decks.
If you want to see your code or hardware in the field next month rather than next year, this is your playground.
Direct Roadmap Influence means you will have a seat at the table and can shape our product and technology trajectory from day one.
Mission-Critical Work: We build systems the Department of War actively needs to counter immediate, real-world threats.
Zero Red Tape: You report to the founders and can make technical decisions without months of bureaucracy.
Austin-Based Culture: We operate onsite in Austin, TX and prioritize high-bandwidth collaboration and rapid field-testing.
We are committed to innovation and excellence in the defense industry, delivering efficient and reliable solutions.
We build a fast-paced, impact-driven culture focused on field-ready capabilities and immediate results.
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