CNG & Autonomy Engineer (M/F)

"The Brain of the Rover"

Location: Perpignan (France)

Contract type: Permanent contract (Junior Premium Profile / Recent Graduate)

Salary: €45k - €50k + Equity (BSPCE)

Availability: Last quarter of 2026

About RoverXplorer: The Architect of Critical Mobility

RoverXplorer is a Dual-Use Deep Tech startup that is redefining autonomous mobility for the most hostile environments in the universe. Our belief is simple: technologies designed to survive on the Moon or Mars are the only ones capable of guaranteeing the absolute reliability required for defense logistics on Earth.

Thanks to our “Validate/Specialize/Scale” strategy, we are developing a unified modular platform capable of withstanding the impossible: radiation, thermal vacuum, cryogenics, and intense interference. Our first major milestone is the R-One, a technology demonstrator weighing less than 30 kg designed to validate Level 3 autonomy.

At our company, you don't just work on a simple component. You build the brain of a resilient explorer, designed to decide and act where failure is not an option.

Your Mission: Navigation Intelligence in Hostile Environments

Reporting directly to the CTO, you are responsible for the rover's kinematic intelligence. Your challenge is to transform raw data streams into safe trajectories in uncharted environments, without GPS, and potentially subject to interference.

Your key responsibilities:

• Sensor Fusion & Robust Localization: Develop and implement fusion algorithms (EKF/UKF) combining IMU, wheel odometry, and solar sensors for accurate localization on unstructured terrain.

• Computer Vision & SLAM: Design the Visual Odometry (VO) and Landmark Tracking pipeline from stereo NavCams to compensate for the absence of external positioning signals (GNSS).

• Obstacle Avoidance & Planning: Program the autonomy logic to detect, classify, and avoid obstacles (rocks, crevasses, debris) at a distance of 3 meters, ensuring the safety of the vehicle.

• High-Fidelity Simulation: Develop and use realistic simulation environments (Gazebo/Ignition) to validate the resilience of your algorithms in the face of sensor failures and extreme lighting conditions.

The profile we are looking for

We are looking for a “gem” in mobile robotics, passionate about challenges where theory meets dust.

• Education: Top-ranked engineering school (ISAE-Supaero, ENAC, CentraleSupélec, INP-ENSEEIHT, or equivalent) with a specialization in Robotics, Automation, or Vision.

• Technical expertise: Advanced proficiency in ROS 2 (Humble/Iron) and C++ (14/17).

• Practical experience with OpenCV, PCL (Point Cloud Library) and SLAM frameworks.

• Understanding of real-time computing constraints on embedded systems (SoC/FPGA).

• Hands-on culture: You have a proven track record in robotics competitions (Coupe de France, Eurobot) or have developed your own autonomous systems (Drones, Rovers).

• Mindset: Hacker spirit to optimize performance, mathematical rigor, and passion for NewSpace and Dual-Use technology.

Why join us ?

1. The Dual-Use Adventure: Your code will guide a rover on the Moon and protect lives on Earth.

2. Immediate Impact: You are the architect of R-One's intelligence; your algorithms are at the heart of our value proposition.

3. Culture of Excellence: A small, agile team where we solve deep tech problems on a daily basis.

4. Founder Package: A competitive salary and equity (BSPCE) to become a partner in our success.

A word about the region

Working on our rovers in Perpignan means combining cutting-edge technological requirements with an exceptional living environment. Here, we are designing the future of mobile robotics with 300 days of sunshine a year, between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. Choosing Perpignan means enjoying the quality of life of the South while remaining connected to one of the world's largest technological ecosystems: Toulouse, the European capital of space and aeronautics, is only a 2-hour drive away. You will be working in a vibrant and authentic innovation hub, while remaining in close proximity to research centers and space experts. This is a rare opportunity to build exceptional robots where others come to spend their vacations.

Ready to take the helm?

We don't want a formal cover letter. Show us your passion:

• Send us your resume.

• Include a link to your GitHub or a portfolio of your robotics projects.

• Bonus: Describe in three lines the most complex navigation challenge you have overcome.

Submit your application here: recrutement@roverxplorer.com