Starpath
Robotics
SeniorRoboticsSoftwareEngineer–LunarRoverLocalization
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.
“Senior Robotics Software Engineer – Lunar Rover Localization at Starpath. Skills: Robotics Software Engineering, Localization Algorithms, Python, C/C++, Non-GPS robot localization techniques. Own the software for accurately determining and tracking the position of lunar rovers. Design a technical approach for rover localization on the Moon”
What You'll Achieve.
Launch rovers to the Moon within 1-2 years; Demonstrate industrial-scale ISRU for refueling landers; Pave the way for a permanent human lunar base
Industry & Context.
Decide on a technical approach; Evaluate performance; Understand where it works well and where it works poorly; Decide whether to refine this approach or pivot to a different approach
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee, or Asylee, or eligible to obtain U.S. Department of State authorizations.
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
5+ years experience programming in Python and/or C/C++, Experience developing software to control real robots, Experience with non-GPS robot localization techniques (e.g. INS, EKF, factor graphs, SLAM), Evidence of exceptional engineering ability, Degree in Computer Science or a related field OR demonstrated excellence at coding via significant professional experience, Outstanding communications skills, A desire to make humans a multi-planet species
Nice to Have
Experience with outdoor robots and/or autonomous vehicles, Experience with robots operating in natural terrain, Experience with LIDAR-based localization (e.g. LIDAR odometry, LIDAR SLAM), Experience with vision-based localization (e.g. visual odometry, VSLAM), Experience with terrain matching techniques for localization, Experience programming in ROS/ROS2, Experience with robot simulators (e.g. Gazebo, Mujuco), Experience developing software for aerospace applications, Experience developing and deploying software in production
What You'll Do.
Own the software for accurately determining and tracking the position of lunar rovers
Design a technical approach for rover localization on the Moon
Develop software for determining rover position based on sensor data
Test and evaluate localization performance on rover prototypes
Test and evaluate localization performance in Gazebo-based mission simulations
Integrate localization with other parts of the autonomy system
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Work closely with other members of the software team to integrate localization with other parts of our autonomy system
Communication Scope
Outstanding communications skills
Full Job Description
Starpath Starpath develops and manufactures the technologies that will enable humans to live on the Moon and Mars. Today, we are building robotic systems that locally produce the essential commodities a lunar civilization will require at extreme scale: water, power, and oxygen. Our ultimate goal is to build and operate a self-sustaining city on Mars. Senior Robotics Software Engineer - Lunar Rover Localization In this role, you will own the software for accurately determining and tracking the position of our lunar rovers as they navigate on the surface of the Moon. This position requires strong technical understanding of localization algorithms and hands-on experience getting localization systems to work robustly on real robots in the real world. The right candidate for this job is someone who can decide on a technical approach, write the software to implement that approach, test the system on the real rover and in simulation, evaluate the performance of the system, understand where it works well and where it works poorly, decide whether to refine this approach or pivot to a different approach, and repeat this entire cycle quickly. Starpath is a fast-paced, zero-bureaucracy work environment, and the people who thrive here are those who enjoy working hard, facing difficult challenges, and making rapid progress toward an ambitious vision of the future. Our goal is to launch our rovers to the Moon within the next 1-2 years, demonstrate industrial-scale ISRU for refueling landers, and pave the way for a permanent human lunar base. Responsibilities - Design a technical approach that addresses the specific challenges of rover localization on the Moon - Develop software for accurately determining the position of our rover on the lunar surface based on sensor data (e.g. IMU, cameras, LIDAR, odometry, star tracker, sun sensors, terrain matching) - Test and evaluate localization performance on our rover prototypes at our lunar analog test site - Test and evaluate localization
Applying for this Senior Robotics Software Engineer – Lunar Rover Localization role?
Most applicants get filtered before a human reads their resume. See if yours makes the cut.
How to Apply on Ashby
- Ashby is a fast modern ATS — most applications take under 3 minutes.
- The resume parser is strong; verify parsed experience dates and job titles.
- Custom screening questions are often scored algorithmically — answer completely.
- Location field affects geo-based screening; use your actual metro area.
ANONYMOUS · UNFILTERED
What do employees actually say about Starpath?
Real rants from real employees. Read before you apply.