Application Guide
How to Apply for aQuatonomous - Software Team Hiring
at EngSoc
🏢 About EngSoc
aQuatonomous is a Queen's University student engineering design team that competes internationally at RoboBoat, building autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) from scratch. Unlike corporate roles, this position offers hands-on experience developing complete autonomy stacks for real-world competition, working directly with ROS2, Python, and C++ on multidisciplinary projects. The team's focus on advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovation provides meaningful work with tangible impact.
About This Role
As Software Director, you'll lead the development of the full autonomy stack for autonomous surface vehicles competing at RoboBoat, overseeing perception, mapping, planning, and system integration. This role involves managing the software team structure (including Computer Vision, Simulation, Navigation & Control, and Mapping leads) while ensuring the boat can operate fully autonomously in dynamic competition environments. Your decisions directly impact the team's ability to execute real-world tasks reliably during international competition.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves coordinating with technical leads on perception algorithm improvements, reviewing ROS2 node integration progress, and planning simulation testing schedules for upcoming competition tasks. You might spend mornings debugging navigation issues from recent water tests, afternoons mentoring team members on autonomy stack architecture, and evenings preparing for weekly progress reviews with the broader multidisciplinary team.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who EngSoc Is Looking For
- Has hands-on experience with ROS2, Python, and C++ in autonomous systems development, particularly in perception, mapping, or planning
- Demonstrates leadership experience in technical teams, preferably in robotics, autonomous vehicles, or student design teams
- Shows understanding of the complete autonomy stack from sensor data to intelligent decision-making in dynamic environments
- Possesses knowledge of RoboBoat competition requirements or similar autonomous vehicle challenges
📝 Tips for Applying to EngSoc
Highlight specific ROS2 projects where you've worked with perception, mapping, or planning systems
Include examples of leading technical teams in time-constrained environments (like competition preparation)
Demonstrate understanding of autonomous surface vehicle challenges (dynamic water environments, sensor limitations on water)
Show how your experience bridges computer vision, simulation, navigation, and mapping - not just one specialty
Reference RoboBoat competition tasks or similar autonomous vehicle competitions you've studied or participated in
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your experience with ROS2 in autonomous systems and how you've managed complex software integration", 'Specific examples of leading technical teams through competition cycles or time-sensitive projects', 'Understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of ASV development (combining perception, navigation, and real-world execution)', 'How your approach to software architecture supports reliable autonomy in dynamic competition environments']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Watch RoboBoat competition videos and understand the specific tasks ASVs must perform
- → Review aQuatonomous's previous competition performances and technical approaches
- → Study the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how autonomous surface vehicles could advance them
- → Research current challenges in autonomous marine vehicle perception and navigation
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on theoretical knowledge without demonstrating hands-on ROS2/Python/C++ project experience
- Treating this as a generic software management role rather than a technical leadership position in autonomous systems
- Not showing understanding of the competition timeline and pressure (mentioning only long-term development without competition preparation strategies)
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!