Company:

Mahindra Defence Systems Limited Designation: Manager - Autonomous Software Function - Autonomous Systems / Robotics Software Reporting to - DGM - Autonomous Systems Key Responsibilities Own the end-to-end autonomous software workstream, from requirements decomposition and architecture through implementation, integration, verification, field trials and release. Define modular software architecture for mission planning, behaviour management, path planning, collision and obstacle avoidance, localisation, perception, health monitoring, failsafe handling and operator interaction. Lead development using ROS/ROS2, C++ and suitable middleware; establish coding standards, interfaces, reusable components, configuration management and documentation practices. Guide the design and tuning of behaviour trees, planners, navigation stacks, costmaps, map servers and decision logic for complex and degraded operating environments. Integrate inputs from INS, DVL, GNSS, depth sensors, cameras, imaging sonar, obstacle-avoidance sonar and other payloads through robust sensor-fusion and state-estimation interfaces. Plan and govern Model/Software/Hardware-in-the-Loop testing, simulator-based validation, lab integration, harbour trials and sea trials; ensure traceability from requirement to evidence. Coordinate closely with controls, embedded, electrical, mechanical, sonar, payload, systems engineering and operations teams to resolve cross-functional issues. Lead technical reviews, design reviews, sprint/milestone planning, risk management, defect closure, root-cause analysis and release readiness. Mentor engineers, allocate work, assess capability gaps, participate in recruitment and build a delivery-focused autonomous software team. Support technical proposals, customer demonstrations,



technical discussions and partner engagement while protecting programme confidentiality and intellectual property. Technical Scope Mission sequencing, behaviour trees, supervisory autonomy, contingency handling, rules and safety states. Local/global planning, obstacle avoidance, route optimisation, localisation, mapping and COLREG-aware concepts for surface systems. Camera/sonar processing interfaces, detection and tracking integration, sensor fusion and confidence-aware decision inputs. Gazebo or equivalent environments, SIL/HIL, scenario libraries, regression testing, test automation and trial evidence. ROS2/ROS, C++, Git, CI/CD, APIs/ICDs, cybersecurity-aware design, logging, diagnostics and lifecycle documentation. Required Qualifications and Experience Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace, Marine Engineering or a related discipline. 8+ years of relevant experience in autonomous robotics or unmanned systems, including at least 2 years in technical leadership, project leadership or team management. Demonstrated delivery experience in autonomy, navigation, SLAM, path planning, obstacle avoidance, perception or sensor-fusion software. Robust hands-on proficiency in C++ and ROS2/ROS; working knowledge of Python, Linux, OpenCV, Git, issue tracking and modern software-development practices. Experience integrating software with real robotic hardware and conducting structured field trials. Marine robotics, AUV, XLAUV or ASV experience is strongly preferred. Ability to convert operational requirements into architecture, software requirements, interface definitions, test cases and acceptance evidence. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and engaging with defence, government, research or industrial customers is desirable.

📌 Manager- Autonomous Systems (India)
🏢 Mahindra Rise
📍 India