Join a fast-moving team focused on developing AI-powered machines for real-time interception of drone threats, with opportunities for rapid prototyping in a new lab.
Location: Onsite — Austin, TX
Employment Type: Full‑Time
Job Title: Lead Robotics Engineer
About 9 Mothers
The modern battlefield has changed. Cheap, autonomous suicide drones have turned the tactical advantage upside down, and the world is looking for a solution. At 9 Mothers, we aren’t just "innovating"—we are building the shield.
Backed by top-tier investors, we develop AI powered machines designed to intercept and neutralize Group 1/sUAS threats in real-time. Our flagship product is a low-power, counter-drone system built for the edge—on vehicles, at bases, or in a soldier's pack.
Why 9 Mothers?
While others build for "awareness" or "long-term research," we build for the immediate survival of those in harm’s way. 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—not next year—this is your playground.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Lead Robotics Engineer to join a small, fast‑moving team. You will design and implement the physical control systems — the “body” — of our interceptor platforms. This role is critical, as the accuracy of our control theory dictates the success of every high‑speed maneuver in combat. You should be comfortable writing code and working with robotic components (actuators, controllers, compute, sensors, etc.).
Essential Duties
Design and implement high‑bandwidth 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.
Requirements
Control theory & embedded systems: Strong grasp of PID control, motor drivers, CAN bus, and RTOS fundamentals. Expertise in designing control and performance for robotics applications.
Programming/frameworks: Hands‑on experience building embedded robotics systems. Proficiency in Rust, C, or C++ for speed and direct hardware interaction.
Hardware: Experience with embedded platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson and camera pipelines. Skilled in managing scopes, logic/CAN analyzers, and basic rework.
U.S. Citizenship and the ability to pass a background check
Nice‑to‑Have
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
Benefits
Meaningful Early Equity: You aren't just an employee; you are a foundational owner. Your contributions directly drive the value of your stake in the company.
Direct Roadmap Influence: Forget the bureaucracy of big defense. You will have a seat at the table, directly shaping our product and technology trajectory from day one.
Mission-Critical Work: We don't build for "what if." We build systems the Department of War actively needs to counter immediate, real-world threats.
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.
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. Take the time you need to stay sharp and recharge.
Zero Red Tape: You report to the founders. You have the autonomy to make technical decisions that would take months of committee approval at a larger firm.
Austin-Based Culture: Join an onsite team in Austin, TX, where we prioritize high-bandwidth collaboration and rapid field-testing.
Relocation Assistance: We want the best talent in the room. If you aren't in Austin yet, we’ll help you get here, to make your transition to the Silicon Hills seamless.
About the Interview
1. Application screen phone call (30 min)
2. Virtual interview with co-founder/CTO + Director of Engineering (45 min via MS Teams)
3. Paid take-home consulting agreement ($500, ~4-8 hours)
4. Review work
5. Virtual interview with co-founder/CEO (45 min via MS Teams)
6. In-person visit to Austin
7. Offer
Equity Compensation
Meaningful Early Equity: You aren't just an employee; you are a foundational owner. Your contributions directly drive the value of your stake in the company.
Other Benefit
Zero Red Tape: You report to the founders. You have the autonomy to make technical decisions that would take months of committee approval at a larger firm.
9 Mothers is a startup developing autonomous machines tailored for defense applications, with a focus on countering fast and agile FPV suicide drones. We merge advanced perception and decision-making technologies to create field-ready solutions, catering to the evolving needs of modern defense.
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