Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Embedded Software Engineer

What you’ll be doing

• Design, implement, and maintain embedded software for UAV flight platforms
• Support development of Ground Control Station (GCS) software, including user interfaces, telemetry, and mission tools
• Develop real-time flight software, including control loops, sensor drivers, and mission logic
• Implement and test communication protocols including UART, CAN, TCP/IP, UDP, and serial
• Create and support software tools for UAV system configuration
• Build embedded Linux modules and system services, including process management, device interfaces, and inter-process communication
• Support testing and debugging in lab environments and during field flight tests
• Collaborate with hardware, electrical, and systems engineers to bring up and integrate new UAV platforms
• Document internal designs, software architecture, and interfaces to support maintainability and team alignment
• Maintain and support existing embedded and ground control software, including related tools
• Stay current with UAV industry developments and continuously grow your skillset
• Collaborate with other software developers and regularly report on activities and progress

Skills and qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in embedded software development through industry roles or substantial project work
• Experience with C++
• Experience with Python
• Familiarity with embedded Linux or real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Exposure to UAV flight control concepts, sensor integration, or telemetry systems
• Experience using Git and development tools such as Gitlab or similar
• Strong focus on clean, well-documented code with an emphasis on maintainability
• Familiarity with modern UI software architecture and development practices (e.g., Qt, PyQt, or similar frameworks)
• Ability to work legally in the US (valid work visa and work authorization)

Tools and technologies

• C++, C, Python, MATLAB
• UART, CAN, TCP/IP, UDP, serial
• embedded Linux, RTOS
• Git, Gitlab
• Qt, PyQt
• Inter-process communication

Compensation and benefits

• $81,000 - $114,000 per year (actual minimum and maximum may vary based on geographic differential; individual pay based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors)
• Incentive compensation which may include profit sharing schemes
• Retirement savings plan
• Ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Paid time off including personal time, holidays, and a generous paid parental leave program
• Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical (traditional and high-deductible health plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, and other supplemental benefit coverages
• Upskilling and development opportunities through global Leadership University, including unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses and options for accelerated development programmes and national/international mobility

Preferred background

• M.S in Embedded System Engineering, Software Engineering, Control System Engineering
• Experience with UAV autopilot software
• Exposure to Ground Control Station software
• Hands-on experience with UAV flight testing or platform integration
• Awareness of aerospace safety standards or robust software validation practices
• Basic understanding of aircraft systems, particularly guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)
• Exposure to real-time operating systems (RTOS) and/or safety-critical software environments

Role details

• Location: Bingen, WA (onsite)
• Employment type: US - Direct Hire
• Experience level: Professional
• Remote type: On-site (95% onsite)
• Job family: Software Engineering <JF-EN-EK>

Physical requirements

• Vision: able to see and read computer screens and electronic equipment with screens; read documents, reports, and engineering drawings daily
• Hearing: able to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone; hear safety warnings or alarms daily
• Speaking: able to speak in conversations and meetings; deliver information and participate in communications daily
• Equipment operation: able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment and some tools; may include production tools such as hydraulic lifts daily
• Carrying/Lifting: able to carry or lift documents, tools, drawings, and electronic equipment up to 30 lbs / 14 kg daily
• Pushing/Pulling: able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment/tools daily
• Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings and work on the computer daily
• Squatting/Kneeling: able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving
• Standing/Walking: able to stand for discussions on the production floor and walk through office/production areas including uneven surfaces daily
• Travel: able to travel independently and at short notice several times a month
• PPE: Required PPE includes Safety Shoes, Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection, Respirators/Masks, and/or Protective Gloves as required by site and/or customer site; for administrative position shop floor visits, steel-toed shoes are required, and appropriate hearing/eye protection may also be required