Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Expeditionary (R5208)

In this role, you'll develop new autonomy capabilities for V-BAT and X-BAT unmanned aircraft, including mission behaviors, platform-specific control, multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy. You'll own major features from software-in-the-loop through live flight testing, partnering closely with the Aircraft team, Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS, and customer stakeholders. As a senior engineer, you'll provide technical leadership, mentor teammates, and help drive successful field deployments for both mature and emerging expeditionary platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop & Field Autonomy – Develop and integrate autonomy software for V-BAT and X-BAT, including mission behaviors, platform-specific control, payload and sensor integration (e.g., ViDAR, EO/IR), multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy. Own major features from software-in-the-loop through live flight testing.
• Aircraft Team Partnership – Collaborate closely with the Aircraft team to integrate autonomy capabilities, validate platform interfaces, coordinate hardware/software compatibility, and support release readiness.
• Collaboration Across Teams & Partners – Partner with the Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS, Strategic Systems (ACP), feature crews, and customer stakeholders to deliver integrated mission capabilities.
• Technical Leadership – Own significant features or subsystems, drive technical execution, mentor teammates, and contribute to design reviews and integration planning.
• Pre-deployment Preparation – Build, configure, validate, and prepare mission-ready systems while ensuring software, hardware, and operator workflows are ready for deployment.
• On-site Test & Mission Support – Support flight tests, customer demonstrations, operator training, and deployment events through system bring-up, troubleshooting, and mission execution.
• Hardware/Software Debugging – Diagnose integration issues across autonomy software, payload computers, embedded systems, and platform interfaces using simulation and operational testing.
• Mission Data & Continuous Improvement – Analyze mission data, drive root-cause analysis, and build tools and processes that improve integration efficiency and mission reliability.
• C2 Interoperability & Standards – Implement and validate interfaces with GCS and command-and-control systems while supporting compliance with STANAG 4586, UCI, and OMS.
• Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 10–20% of the year to different office locations, customer sites, operator training events, flight tests, and integration exercises.

Requirements

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent advanced degree experience).
• Strong C++ development experience in real-time or embedded systems.
• Experience with Linux-based development and embedded systems.
• Experience integrating complex software systems and troubleshooting across hardware/software boundaries.
• Experience supporting system integration, testing, or field events.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Nice to have

• Experience with unmanned aircraft or autonomous systems.
• Experience with autonomy software, robotics, or vehicle control.
• Experience with payload or sensor integration.
• Python, Docker, CMake/Conan, or CI/CD experience.
• Experience with military test events or defense customers.

Benefits

• Full-time regular employee offer package:
• Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
• Temporary employee offer package:
• Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
• Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.