Senior Software Engineer

About Knightscope
Knightscope designs and operates Autonomous Security Robots (ASRs) that safeguard people and property around the clock. Our fleet of ASRs combines robotics, edge AI, and cloud services to deliver actionable, real‑time intelligence to clients nation‑wide.

Position is out of our Sunnyvale HQ - Local candidates only (NOT remote)

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join the K7 Autonomous Security Robot (ASR) team. You will be a key member of the Intelligence Control Module (ICM) team, implementing critical software features for AI detection, audio/video processing, real-time streaming, 5G LTE connectivity, cybersecurity compliance, and telemetry infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• AI Detection Systems
  
  
  
  • Integrate and optimize audio SDKs for GPU-accelerated event detection (gunshots, glass break, anomalies)
  
  
  • Develop thermal imaging pipelines for fire watch, heat signature detection, and low-visibility conditions
  
  
  • Build two-way PA system with live, pre-recorded, and auto-announcement capabilities, continuous patrol sound
  
  
  • Implement passive WiFi signal detection for device identification and tracking
  
  


• Audio & Video Infrastructure
  
  
  
  • Develop audio stream processing pipelines: clip extraction, echo cancellation, recording
  
  
  • Implement video clip recording, storage, and transmission to monitoring platform
  
  
  • Build live streaming infrastructure for HD and thermal cameras
  
  
  • Develop intercom and talk-down communication features
  
  


• 5G LTE & Communications
  
  
  
  • Integrate 5G LTE modem for wide-area connectivity
  
  
  • Validate LTE performance under vehicle EMI conditions
  
  
  • Collaborate on antenna placement and RF coexistence testing
  
  
  • Ensure reliable connectivity for streaming, alerts, and remote access
  
  


• Telemetry & Logging
  
  
  
  • Design telemetry infrastructure for incident data collection
  
  
  • Build incident bundle export capabilities for field issue triage
  
  
  • Develop logging systems for diagnostics and cloud upload
  
  


• Cybersecurity & NIST Compliance
  
  
  
  • Implement encryption at rest (full-disk, AES-256) and in transit (TLS 1.3)
  
  
  • Deploy and configure security tooling: AIDE, Elastic Agent, Nessus Agent, OSSEC
  
  
  • Build RBAC, audit logging, and data loss prevention capabilities
  
  
  • Support FIPS 140-3 cryptographic module validation
  
  
  • Ensure compliance with NIST SP 800-53 and NIST SP 800-171
  
  


• System Infrastructure
  
  
  
  • Implement A/B boot partitioning and OTA update mechanisms
  
  
  • Develop Ansible automation for driver installation and system configuration
  
  
  • Collaborate on compute platform integration
    
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years in embedded software or robotics systems


• Languages: Proficiency in C++, Python; familiarity with Rust a plus


• Platforms: Linux (Ubuntu), NVIDIA Jetson/Orin, ARM64 architecture


• Frameworks: ROS 2 and DDS middleware experience strongly preferred


• Security: Hands-on experience implementing NIST cybersecurity controls, encryption, and secure boot


• Streaming: Real-time audio/video streaming protocols (RTSP, WebRTC, GStreamer)


• Cellular: LTE/5G modem integration and validation experience


• Testing: Strong unit testing discipline; experience with CI/CD pipelines

Preferred Qualification

• US Person (US Citizen or Permanent Resident)


• Experience with Autoware or autonomous vehicle software stacks


• Familiarity with FedRAMP or FIPS compliance requirements


• Background in ML inference optimization on edge devices


• WiFi/Bluetooth signal detection and RF systems knowledge


• Thermal imaging or LWIR camera integration experience


• EMC/EMI testing familiarity

Tech Stack

• Compute NVIDIA Jetson Orin, ARM64


• OS Linux (Ubuntu)


• Robotics ROS 2, DDS, Autoware Universe


• Security AIDE, Elastic Agent, Nessus, FIPS 140-3, TLS 1.3


• Streaming GStreamer, RTSP, live video/audio pipelines


• Cellular 5G LTE


• DevOps Ansible, OTA update systems, A/B partitioning

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $160,000 – $175,000 (DOE)


• Equity: Stock options


• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off


• Location Requirement: Full-time, on-site at Sunnyvale HQ