Senior Embedded Software Engineer I, Robotic Controls

ICON is looking for an Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join our Software Products team in Austin, TX. In this hands-on role, you will develop and maintain control software for our production fleet and our space-based robotic systems. You will contribute in all aspects of the software development lifecycle as part of a growing, fast-paced team, with a focus on high-performance systems, including dynamic stabilization and real-time control. This role will be based at our Austin, TX headquarters and will report to ICON’s VP, Software Products.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and develop controls architecture with a combination of hard and soft real-time requirements
• Develop robust communication protocols between supervisory and real-time systems
• Program and debug control logic in a variety of languages (e.g. C/C++, Matlab, TwinCAT)
• Create modular, object-oriented code that adheres to established coding standards, design patterns, and documentation practices
• Lead system integration and validation efforts across hardware and software
• Develop and maintain simulated environments and automated test frameworks to support continuous integration and system verification
• Support electromechanical hardware systems both remotely and on-site, ensuring safe, reliable operation
• Participate in architecture decisions for controls and electrical systems, including component selection and standardization
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers to ensure alignment across system interfaces
• Participate in design & code reviews to maintain consistency and high-quality output
• Develop and implement real-time control algorithms for dynamic stabilization, vibration mitigation, and high-speed feedback control
• Design and optimize sensor fusion and state estimation algorithms using IMUs, LiDAR, and other real-time sensing systems
• Act as a subject matter expert on system stabilization in non-linear, high-speed robotic applications
• Conduct simulations, system-level testing, and prototype development to enhance stability and real-world responsiveness

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering-related field. 
• 8+ years of experience in controls engineering, robotics, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of real-time state estimation / sensor fusion algorithms (e.g., Kalman Filter, Extended Kalman Filter, Particle Filters) for dynamic systems with focus on position estimation from sensors at different sampling frequencies.
• Expertise in vibration analysis, non-linear dynamics, and stabilization of high-speed systems.
• Advanced programming skills in C/C++ with a focus on deterministic real-time control.
• Strong knowledge of linear algebra, stochastic modeling, and numerical methods, with experience implementing these in languages like C/C++.
• Experience selecting, integrating, and tuning sensors such as IMUs, accelerometers, and gyros for stabilization systems.

 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in controls engineering, robotics, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success in shipping control systems designed for high-speed stabilization in dynamic environments.
• Practical experience with numerical stability analysis and ensuring robust algorithm performance in non-linear systems.
• Experience with modern compiled languages such as C++, Rust, or other systems-level programming tools.
• Familiarity with simulation tools and frameworks for system validation (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).
• System architecture experience, particularly for embedded real-time systems.

  ICON is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an innovative, inclusive, diverse and discrimination-free work environment. Employment with ICON is based on merit, competence, and qualifications. It is our policy to administer all personnel actions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting employees, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Consistent with the obligations of these laws, ICON will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Furthermore, as a federal government contractor, the Company maintains an affirmative action program which furthers its commitment and complies with recordkeeping and reporting requirements under certain federal civil rights laws and regulations, including Execu