Senior Software Engineer (Autonomy)

Thompson Software Solutions is seeking a senior-level Embedded Software Engineer to join a high-performing multi-site team. In this role, you will develop, integrate, and test software products for safety and mission-critical systems in the aerospace and defense domain. You will work both independently and collaboratively with other engineers and program teams, applying a wide range of technical principles to solve complex challenges. The role involves supporting UAS/UAV operations and contributing to autonomous systems and embedded software development.

Responsibilities

• Thompson Software Solutions is seeking a senior-level Embedded Software Engineer who is ready to work with a talented team to provide innovative solutions for tomorrow’s problems. This position requires a software engineer to use a wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the software field to develop, integrate, and test software products. The successful candidate will be a member of a high-performing multi-site team and must be self-motivated with strong work ethic, time-management, and interpersonal skills. In this role, you will work independently at times on projects, at other times will be in a collaborative team environment with other software engineers, as well as other program development and deployment teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years Strong software development experience using C, C++, Java, Python, and Bash for embedded systems, automation, testing, and application development.
• Experience with UAS/UAV or RC aircraft operations, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Proficient with Git for source control, branching strategies, code reviews, and collaborative software development.
• Understanding robotics, autonomous systems, flight software, sensor integration, and embedded system design.
• Proficient with Linux and Windows development environments
• Ability to professionally communicate project status and collaborate on technical solutions with clients and peers
• Active Secret DoD security clearance
• 25% Travel

Nice to have

• Proficient with Atlassian Tools (Confluence, JIRA, Bitbucket, etc.)
• Experience developing and configuring autonomous flight systems using ArduPilot and/or PX4 flight controllers.
• Familiarity with the MAVLink communication protocol, including telemetry, command-and-control messaging, mission planning, and integration with ground control stations.
• DevOps & Containerization – Experience with Docker-based development, deployment, and maintaining CI/CD pipelines.
• Embedded Systems – Developing software for microcontrollers and embedded hardware platforms.
• Autonomy Systems – Working with autonomous systems software and hardware, including Perception (sensors, computer vision, sensor fusion)
• Motion and mission planning
• Control systems
• Test & Verification Engineering – Creating automated tests, validation frameworks, and verification software.
• Software Quality & CI/CD – Designing and maintaining robust software quality processes, automated builds, testing, and deployment pipelines.
• Electrical Engineering Fundamentals – Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and collaborate with hardware teams.
• Experience communicating and documenting complex technical designs
• Ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills

Benefits

• Low-cost Medical / Dental / Vision coverage options
• 401K with generous employer match
• Responsible Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays
• Remote work opportunities based on role
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career growth and professional development opportunities