Network and Communication Engineer, Autonomous Robotics

About SteerAI

SteerAI is an autonomous mobility technology company powered by VentureOne, the commercialization arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council. SteerAI’s advanced AI-powered autonomy stack, developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, empowers the logistics and defense industries by turning industrial vehicles into autonomous powerhouses that can handle complex off-road missions, transforming operations and protecting organizations' most important assets: their workforce.

Role Overview

We’re looking for an experienced Network and Communication Engineer to design, implement, and maintain robust real-time communication systems for our advanced autonomous vehicle platforms. You’ll play a key role in ensuring high-reliability, low-latency data exchange between onboard subsystems, autonomy software, and command and control stations — directly enabling mission-critical operations in dynamic and challenging environments.

What You’ll Do

• Design and configure communication networks including Ethernet, CAN, RS485, Serial, and RF modules for autonomous systems.
• Evaluate and integrate commercial and tactical radio systems, considering performance, reliability, and integration requirements.
• Implement network redundancy, failover strategies, and robust security mechanisms to ensure continuous system reliability.
• Develop and maintain low-latency, high-throughput communication interfaces between embedded devices, central autonomy stacks, and external command & control (C2) systems.
• Implement and validate communication protocol stacks such as UDP, TCP, MQTT, DDS, and CANOpen.
• Support real-time telemetry, control data streaming, and system health monitoring functions.
• Set up and maintain RF radios, network switches, routers, and wireless devices for mobile platforms.
• Collaborate closely with software, embedded, and mechatronics teams to debug and resolve communication issues during integration and field testing.
• Provide hands-on support during field operations to troubleshoot and validate communication systems in real-world scenarios.
• Document network architectures, interface control documents (ICDs), and configuration guidelines to support scalability and maintainability.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronics, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in network and communication systems, ideally within robotics, automotive, or defense sectors.
• Strong expertise in embedded systems, networking fundamentals, and RF communication technologies.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and familiarity with version control tools such as Git.
• Experience working with real-time systems, Linux networking, and ROS/ROS2 environments is a plus.
• Ability to work independently on complex hardware/software integrations.
• Strong documentation skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional engineering teams.

What We Offer

We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the Autonomous Robotics industry. Our work culture is collaborative and inclusive, with a strong focus on innovation and personal growth.

If you’re excited about building high-reliability communication systems that empower real-world autonomous missions—we’d love to hear from you.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.