Software Engineer

Belcan is seeking a Software Engineer to join their San Luis Obispo, CA team onsite, focusing on embedded flight software for unmanned aircraft systems. The position centers on building and integrating the PX4 flight stack, developing in C/C++, and driving Python-based test workflows for Belcan’s aerospace client in the region.

Responsibilities

• Develop and customize the PX4 flight stack with integration to QGroundControl (QGC)
• Write embedded flight software in C/C++ and support test/validation workflows with Python
• Develop GPS positioning and navigation software components
• Perform autonomy and system-level software integration across vehicle, payload, and ground control interfaces
• Participate in Git-based workflows (GitHub/GitLab) with version control and collaborative development
• Work in modern development environments such as Visual Studio Code
• Implement unit testing and software validation practices
• Engage with communication protocols and embedded interfaces (MAVLink, TCP/IP, UDP
• Conduct software integration and debugging across hardware/software boundaries in flight and laboratory settings
• Support rapid iteration driven by integration, test, and flight feedback

Requirements

• Degree in robotics, autonomy, software engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or mathematics; strong preference for software/aerospace-focused programs
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Working knowledge of PX4
• U.S. Citizenship is required

Technologies

• PX4
• QGroundControl
• C
• C++
• Python
• GitHub
• GitLab
• Visual Studio Code
• MAVLink
• TCP/IP
• UDP
• ROS2
• ArduPilot
• Pixhawk

Benefits

• Health care
• Dental
• Vision
• Life insurance
• 401(k)
• Education assistance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Other paid leave required by law

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience with PX4 flight control stack autopilot or comparable OS such as ROS2, ArduPilot, or Pixhawk
• Ability to lead a small software team with ownership of work packages
• Embedded real-time software development
• Aerospace experience, particularly with unmanned aircraft systems