The Unmanned Systems Software Engineer supports the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of advanced software solutions for unmanned systems and operational technologies for United States Special Operations Command. The role involves developing mobile and fixed software applications, supporting embedded systems integration, and enabling command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission capabilities. The engineer works in a fast-paced environment supporting autonomy solutions, mission planning applications, communications systems, and rapid capability development efforts, directly contributing to delivering operationally relevant technologies that enhance mission effectiveness and reduce risk to Special Operations Forces.

Responsibilities

Develop and deploy mobile and fixed software solutions supporting unmanned systems integration
Support embedded software solutions used on unmanned platforms and supporting subsystems
Develop software supporting command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities
Design, develop, test, document, and maintain software applications and utilities
Support autonomous navigation and mission planning capabilities
Develop and maintain communication interfaces utilizing MAVLink and related protocols
Support integration of operational technologies onto unmanned systems
Configure and support mission planning and ground control software applications
Implement and support sensor fusion solutions
Develop automation tools, scripts, and data processing capabilities utilizing Python
Troubleshoot and resolve software and network communication issues
Analyze and reverse engineer software systems to identify and resolve defects
Build, compile, test, and deploy software from source code repositories
Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and end users to develop innovative technical solutions
Support developmental testing, operational demonstrations, fielding events, and mission support activities

Requirements

US Citizen
Valid U.S. driver’s license
Must hold an active Secret Security Clearance with TS/SCI Eligibility
Demonstrate strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Demonstrate self-motivation and critical thinking skills.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication
Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or applicable engineering or science discipline, or qualifying equivalent experience
Minimum three (3) years of hands-on professional experience with a degree, or seven (7) years of hands-on professional experience without a degree
Demonstrated experience supporting Group 1 and/or Group 2 Unmanned Systems through software development, integration, testing, mission support, or related activities
Proficiency in C and C++ programming
Experience utilizing object-oriented software development methodologies
Demonstrated ability to deliver production software in an Agile development environment
Extensive knowledge of autonomous navigation and path-planning techniques, including waypoint navigation, geofencing, dynamic routing, obstacle avoidance, and collision detection
Extensive experience utilizing BetaFlight, ArduPilot, and PX4
Experience with sensor fusion techniques utilizing technologies such as Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Global Positioning System (GPS), cameras, and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors
Experience working with QGroundControl or comparable ground control software
Experience utilizing the Qt and Qt Modeling Language (QML) framework
Familiarity with the MAVLink communication protocol
Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, data analysis, and prototyping
Strong understanding of Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networking concepts
Experience troubleshooting network communications issues
Ability to analyze and reverse engineer complex software codebases
Experience using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software
Demonstrated ability to build target software from source code
Adhere to USSOCOM security requirements, cybersecurity requirements, and non-disclosure obligations.
Obtain and maintain installation access credentials and Department of Defense Common Access Card credentials, as required.
Sign required Non-Disclosure Agreements prior to performance.
Be capable of supporting surge operations, contingency activities, and mission-essential requirements when directed.

Nice to have

Experience supporting Group 3 Unmanned Systems is desirable
Experience with commercially available unmanned systems preferred